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Ravindran R, Michnick SW. Biomolecular condensates as drivers of membrane trafficking and remodelling. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 89:102393. [PMID: 38936257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Membrane remodelling is essential for the trafficking of macromolecules throughout the cell, a process that regulates various aspects of cellular health and pathology. Recent studies implicate the role of biomolecular condensates in regulating multiple steps of the membrane trafficking pathway including but not limited to the organization of the trafficking machinery, dynamic remodeling of membranes, spatial and functional regulation, and response to cellular signals. The implicated proteins contain key structural elements, most notably prion-like domains within intrinsically disordered regions that are necessary for biomolecular condensate formation at fusion sites in processes like endocytic assembly, autophagy, organelle biosynthesis and synaptic vesicle fusion. Experimental and theoretical advances in the field continue to demonstrate that protein condensates can perform mechanical work, the implications of which can be extrapolated to diverse areas of membrane biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rini Ravindran
- Département de Biochimie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Stephen W Michnick
- Département de Biochimie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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2
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Rohli KE, Stubbe NJ, Walker EM, Pearson GL, Soleimanpour SA, Stephens SB. A metabolic redox relay supports ER proinsulin export in pancreatic islet β cells. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e178725. [PMID: 38935435 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.178725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
ER stress and proinsulin misfolding are heralded as contributing factors to β cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes, yet how ER function becomes compromised is not well understood. Recent data identify altered ER redox homeostasis as a critical mechanism that contributes to insulin granule loss in diabetes. Hyperoxidation of the ER delays proinsulin export and limits the proinsulin supply available for insulin granule formation. In this report, we identified glucose metabolism as a critical determinant in the redox homeostasis of the ER. Using multiple β cell models, we showed that loss of mitochondrial function or inhibition of cellular metabolism elicited ER hyperoxidation and delayed ER proinsulin export. Our data further demonstrated that β cell ER redox homeostasis was supported by the metabolic supply of reductive redox donors. We showed that limiting NADPH and thioredoxin flux delayed ER proinsulin export, whereas thioredoxin-interacting protein suppression restored ER redox and proinsulin trafficking. Taken together, we propose that β cell ER redox homeostasis is buffered by cellular redox donor cycles, which are maintained through active glucose metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen E Rohli
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, and
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | | | - Emily M Walker
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Gemma L Pearson
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Scott A Soleimanpour
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, and
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Samuel B Stephens
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, and
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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3
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Campelo F, Lillo JV, von Blume J. Protein condensates in the the secretory pathway: Unraveling biophysical interactions and function. Biophys J 2024; 123:1531-1541. [PMID: 38698644 PMCID: PMC11214006 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of phase separation phenomena among macromolecules has identified biomolecular condensates as fundamental cellular organizers. These condensates concentrate specific components and accelerate biochemical reactions without relying on membrane boundaries. Although extensive studies have revealed a large variety of nuclear and cytosolic membraneless organelles, we are witnessing a surge in the exploration of protein condensates associated with the membranes of the secretory pathway, such as the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus. This review focuses on protein condensates in the secretory pathway and discusses their impact on the organization and functions of this cellular process. Moreover, we explore the modes of condensate-membrane association and the biophysical and cellular consequences of protein condensate interactions with secretory pathway membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Campelo
- ICFO-Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Javier Vera Lillo
- ICFO-Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julia von Blume
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
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4
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Boyer NP, Sharma R, Wiesner T, Delamare A, Pelletier F, Leterrier C, Roy S. Spectrin condensates provide a nidus for assembling the periodic axonal structure. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.05.597638. [PMID: 38895400 PMCID: PMC11185721 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.05.597638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Coordinated assembly of individual components into higher-order structures is a defining theme in biology, but underlying principles are not well-understood. In neurons, α/β spectrins, adducin, and actinfilaments assemble into a lattice wrapping underneath the axonal plasma membrane, but mechanistic events leading to this periodic axonal structure (PAS) are unclear. Visualizing PAS components in axons as they develop, we found focal patches in distal axons containing spectrins and adducin (but sparse actin filaments) with biophysical properties reminiscent of biomolecular condensation. Overexpressing spectrin-repeats - constituents of α/β-spectrins - in heterologous cells triggered condensate formation, and preventing association of βII-spectrin with actin-filaments/membranes also facilitated condensation. Finally, overexpressing condensate-triggering spectrin repeats in neurons before PAS establishment disrupted the lattice, presumably by competing with innate assembly, supporting a functional role for biomolecular condensation. We propose a condensation-assembly model where PAS components form focal phase-separated condensates that eventually unfurl into a stable lattice-structure by associating with subplasmalemmal actin. By providing local 'depots' of assembly parts, biomolecular condensation may play a wider role in the construction of intricate cytoskeletal structures.
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5
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Arab M, Chen T, Lowe M. Mechanisms governing vesicle traffic at the Golgi apparatus. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 88:102365. [PMID: 38705050 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Vesicle transport at the Golgi apparatus is a well-described process, and the major protein components involved have been identified. This includes the coat proteins that function in cargo sorting and vesicle formation, and the proteins that mediate the downstream events of vesicle tethering and membrane fusion. However, despite this knowledge, there remain significant gaps in our mechanistic understanding of these processes which includes how they are coordinated in space and time. In this review we discuss recent advances that have provided new insights into the mechanisms of Golgi trafficking, focussing on vesicle formation and cargo sorting, and vesicle tethering and fusion. These studies point to a high degree of spatial organisation of trafficking components at the Golgi and indicate an inherent plasticity of trafficking. Going forward, further advancements in technology and more sophisticated functional assays are expected to yield greater understanding of the mechanisms that govern Golgi trafficking events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Arab
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Tong Chen
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Martin Lowe
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
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6
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Zhang Q, Lin Z, Du X, Zhou Z. Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation within Dense-Core Vesicles in Sympathetic Adrenal Chromaffin Cells. Neurosci Bull 2024:10.1007/s12264-024-01201-6. [PMID: 38589711 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01201-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Quanfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Zhaohan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xinyu Du
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zhuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Beijing, 100871, China.
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, 100871, China.
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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7
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Wang S, Walker-Gibbons R, Watkins B, Flynn M, Krishnan M. A charge-dependent long-ranged force drives tailored assembly of matter in solution. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:485-493. [PMID: 38429493 PMCID: PMC11026162 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-024-01621-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The interaction between charged objects in solution is generally expected to recapitulate two central principles of electromagnetics: (1) like-charged objects repel, and (2) they do so regardless of the sign of their electrical charge. Here we demonstrate experimentally that the solvent plays a hitherto unforeseen but crucial role in interparticle interactions, and importantly, that interactions in the fluid phase can break charge-reversal symmetry. We show that in aqueous solution, negatively charged particles can attract at long range while positively charged particles repel. In solvents that exhibit an inversion of the net molecular dipole at an interface, such as alcohols, we find that the converse can be true: positively charged particles may attract whereas negatives repel. The observations hold across a wide variety of surface chemistries: from inorganic silica and polymeric particles to polyelectrolyte- and polypeptide-coated surfaces in aqueous solution. A theory of interparticle interactions that invokes solvent structuring at an interface captures the observations. Our study establishes a nanoscopic interfacial mechanism by which solvent molecules may give rise to a strong and long-ranged force in solution, with immediate ramifications for a range of particulate and molecular processes across length scales such as self-assembly, gelation and crystallization, biomolecular condensation, coacervation, and phase segregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sida Wang
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rowan Walker-Gibbons
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Bethany Watkins
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Melissa Flynn
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Madhavi Krishnan
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- The Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Oxford, UK.
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8
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Mukherjee M, Mukherjee C, Ghosh V, Jain A, Sadhukhan S, Dagar S, Sahu BS. Endoplasmic reticulum stress impedes regulated secretion by governing key exocytotic and granulogenic molecular switches. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261257. [PMID: 38348894 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Dense core vesicles (DCVs) and synaptic vesicles are specialised secretory vesicles in neurons and neuroendocrine cells, and abnormal release of their cargo is associated with various pathophysiologies. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and inter-organellar communication are also associated with disease biology. To investigate the functional status of regulated exocytosis arising from the crosstalk of a stressed ER and DCVs, ER stress was modelled in PC12 neuroendocrine cells using thapsigargin. DCV exocytosis was severely compromised in ER-stressed PC12 cells and was reversed to varying magnitudes by ER stress attenuators. Experiments with tunicamycin, an independent ER stressor, yielded similar results. Concurrently, ER stress also caused impaired DCV exocytosis in insulin-secreting INS-1 cells. Molecular analysis revealed blunted SNAP25 expression, potentially attributed to augmented levels of ATF4, an inhibitor of CREB that binds to the CREB-binding site. The effects of loss of function of ATF4 in ER-stressed cells substantiated this attribution. Our studies revealed severe defects in DCV exocytosis in ER-stressed cells for the first time, mediated by reduced levels of key exocytotic and granulogenic switches regulated via the eIF2α (EIF2A)-ATF4 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohima Mukherjee
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana 122052, India
| | | | - Vinayak Ghosh
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana 122052, India
| | - Aamna Jain
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana 122052, India
| | - Souren Sadhukhan
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana 122052, India
| | - Sushma Dagar
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana 122052, India
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Lujan P, Garcia-Cabau C, Wakana Y, Vera Lillo J, Rodilla-Ramírez C, Sugiura H, Malhotra V, Salvatella X, Garcia-Parajo MF, Campelo F. Sorting of secretory proteins at the trans-Golgi network by human TGN46. eLife 2024; 12:RP91708. [PMID: 38466628 DOI: 10.7554/elife.91708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Secretory proteins are sorted at the trans-Golgi network (TGN) for export into specific transport carriers. However, the molecular players involved in this fundamental process remain largely elusive. Here, we identified the human transmembrane protein TGN46 as a receptor for the export of secretory cargo protein PAUF in CARTS - a class of protein kinase D-dependent TGN-to-plasma membrane carriers. We show that TGN46 is necessary for cargo sorting and loading into nascent carriers at the TGN. By combining quantitative fluorescence microscopy and mutagenesis approaches, we further discovered that the lumenal domain of TGN46 encodes for its cargo sorting function. In summary, our results define a cellular function of TGN46 in sorting secretory proteins for export from the TGN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Lujan
- ICFO-Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carla Garcia-Cabau
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yuichi Wakana
- School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Javier Vera Lillo
- ICFO-Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodilla-Ramírez
- ICFO-Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hideaki Sugiura
- School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Vivek Malhotra
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Salvatella
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria F Garcia-Parajo
- ICFO-Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Felix Campelo
- ICFO-Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
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10
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Boyer CK, Blom SE, Machado AE, Rohli KE, Maxson ME, Stephens SB. Loss of the Golgi-localized v-ATPase subunit does not alter insulin granule formation or pancreatic islet β-cell function. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2024; 326:E245-E257. [PMID: 38265287 PMCID: PMC11193524 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00342.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Delayed Golgi export of proinsulin has recently been identified as an underlying mechanism leading to insulin granule loss and β-cell secretory defects in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Because acidification of the Golgi lumen is critical for proinsulin sorting and delivery into the budding secretory granule, we reasoned that dysregulation of Golgi pH may contribute to proinsulin trafficking defects. In this report, we examined pH regulation of the Golgi and identified a partial alkalinization of the Golgi lumen in a diabetes model. To further explore this, we generated a β-cell specific knockout (KO) of the v0a2 subunit of the v-ATPase pump, which anchors the v-ATPase to the Golgi membrane. Although loss of v0a2 partially neutralized Golgi pH and was accompanied by distension of the Golgi cisternae, proinsulin export from the Golgi and insulin granule formation were not affected. Furthermore, β-cell function was well preserved. β-cell v0a2 KO mice exhibited normal glucose tolerance in both sexes, no genotypic difference to diet-induced obesity, and normal insulin secretory responses. Collectively, our data demonstrate the v0a2 subunit contributes to β-cell Golgi pH regulation but suggest that additional disturbances to Golgi structure and function contribute to proinsulin trafficking defects in diabetes.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Delayed proinsulin export from the Golgi in diabetic β-cells contributes to decreased insulin granule formation, but the underlying mechanisms are not clear. Here, we explored if dysregulation of Golgi pH can alter Golgi function using β-cell specific knockout (KO) of the Golgi-localized subunit of the v-ATPase, v0a2. We show that partial alkalinization of the Golgi dilates the cisternae, but does not affect proinsulin export, insulin granule formation, insulin secretion, or glucose homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cierra K Boyer
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Sandra E Blom
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Ashleigh E Machado
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Kristen E Rohli
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Michelle E Maxson
- Program in Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samuel B Stephens
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
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11
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Sue N, Thai LM, Saito A, Boyer CK, Fordham AM, Yan C, Davenport A, Tao J, Bensellam M, Cantley J, Shi YC, Stephens SB, Imaizumi K, Biden TJ. Independent activation of CREB3L2 by glucose fills a regulatory gap in mouse β-cells by co-ordinating insulin biosynthesis with secretory granule formation. Mol Metab 2024; 79:101845. [PMID: 38013154 PMCID: PMC10755490 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although individual steps have been characterized, there is little understanding of the overall process whereby glucose co-ordinates the biosynthesis of insulin with its export out of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and incorporation into insulin secretory granules (ISGs). Here we investigate a role for the transcription factor CREB3L2 in this context. METHODS MIN6 cells and mouse islets were analysed by immunoblotting after treatment with glucose, fatty acids, thapsigargin and various inhibitors. Knockdown of CREB3L2 was achieved using si or sh constructs by transfection, or viral delivery. In vivo metabolic phenotyping was conducted after deletion of CREB3L2 in β-cells of adult mice using Ins1-CreER+. Islets were isolated for RNAseq and assays of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Trafficking was monitored in islet monolayers using a GFP-tagged proinsulin construct that allows for synchronised release from the ER. RESULTS With a Km ≈3.5 mM, glucose rapidly (T1/2 0.9 h) increased full length (FL) CREB3L2 followed by a slower rise (T1/2 2.5 h) in its transcriptionally-active cleavage product, P60 CREB3L2. Glucose stimulation repressed the ER stress marker, CHOP, and this was partially reverted by knockdown of CREB3L2. Activation of CREB3L2 by glucose was not due to ER stress, however, but a combination of O-GlcNAcylation, which impaired proteasomal degradation of FL-CREB3L2, and mTORC1 stimulation, which enhanced its conversion to P60. cAMP generation also activated CREB3L2, but independently of glucose. Deletion of CREB3L2 inhibited GSIS ex vivo and, following a high-fat diet (HFD), impaired glucose tolerance and insulin secretion in vivo. RNAseq revealed that CREB3L2 regulated genes controlling trafficking to-and-from the Golgi, as well as a broader cohort associated with β-cell compensation during a HFD. Although post-Golgi trafficking appeared intact, knockdown of CREB3L2 impaired the generation of both nascent ISGs and proinsulin condensates in the Golgi, implying a defect in ER export of proinsulin and/or its processing in the Golgi. CONCLUSION The stimulation of CREB3L2 by glucose defines a novel, rapid and direct mechanism for co-ordinating the synthesis, packaging and storage of insulin, thereby minimizing ER overload and optimizing β-cell function under conditions of high secretory demand. Upregulation of CREB3L2 also potentially contributes to the benefits of GLP1 agonism and might in itself constitute a novel means of treating β-cell failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Sue
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Le May Thai
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Atsushi Saito
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Cierra K Boyer
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
| | - Ashleigh M Fordham
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Chenxu Yan
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Aimee Davenport
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Jiang Tao
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Mohammed Bensellam
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - James Cantley
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Yan-Chuan Shi
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Samuel B Stephens
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
| | - Kazunori Imaizumi
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Trevor J Biden
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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12
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Shandilya E, Bains AS, Maiti S. Enzyme-Mediated Temporal Control over the Conformational Disposition of a Condensed Protein in Macromolecular Crowded Media. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:10508-10517. [PMID: 38052045 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c07074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Temporal regulation between input and output signals is one of the hallmarks of complex biological processes. Herein, we report that the conformational disposition of a protein in macromolecularly crowded media can be controlled with time using enzymes. First, we demonstrate the pH dependence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) condensation and conformational alteration in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol) as a crowder. However, by exploiting the strength of pH-modulatory enzymatic reactions (glucose oxidase and urease), the conversion time between the condensed and free forms can be tuned. Additionally, we demonstrate that the trapping of intermediate states with respect to the overall system at a particular α-helix or β-sheet composition and rotational mobility can be possible simply by altering the substrate concentration. Finally, we show that the intrinsic catalytic ability of BSA toward the Kemp elimination (KE) reaction is inhibited in the aggregated form but regained in the free form. In fact, the rate of KE reaction can also be actuated enzymatically in a temporal fashion, therefore demonstrating the programmability of a cascade of biochemical events in crowded media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekta Shandilya
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, Knowledge City, Manauli 140306, India
| | - Arshdeep Singh Bains
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, Knowledge City, Manauli 140306, India
| | - Subhabrata Maiti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, Knowledge City, Manauli 140306, India
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13
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Campelo F, Tian M, von Blume J. Rediscovering the intricacies of secretory granule biogenesis. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2023; 85:102231. [PMID: 37657367 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Regulated secretion, an essential cellular process, relies on secretory granules (SGs) for the controlled release of a diverse range of cargo molecules, including proteins, peptides, hormones, enzymes, and neurotransmitters. SG biogenesis encompasses cargo selection, sorting, packaging, and trafficking, with the trans-Golgi Network (TGN) playing a central role. Research in the last three decades has revealed significant components required for SG biogenesis; however, no cargo receptor transferring granule cargo from the TGN to immature SGs (ISGs) has yet been identified. Consequently, recent research has devoted significant attention to studying receptor-independent cargo sorting mechanisms, shedding new light on the complexities of regulated secretion. Understanding the underlying molecular and biophysical mechanisms behind cargo sorting into ISGs holds great promise for advancing our knowledge of cellular communication and disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Campelo
- ICFO-Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08860, Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meng Tian
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Julia von Blume
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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14
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Farag M, Borcherds WM, Bremer A, Mittag T, Pappu RV. Phase separation of protein mixtures is driven by the interplay of homotypic and heterotypic interactions. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5527. [PMID: 37684240 PMCID: PMC10491635 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41274-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Prion-like low-complexity domains (PLCDs) are involved in the formation and regulation of distinct biomolecular condensates that form via phase separation coupled to percolation. Intracellular condensates often encompass numerous distinct proteins with PLCDs. Here, we combine simulations and experiments to study mixtures of PLCDs from two RNA-binding proteins, hnRNPA1 and FUS. Using simulations and experiments, we find that 1:1 mixtures of A1-LCD and FUS-LCD undergo phase separation more readily than either of the PLCDs on their own due to complementary electrostatic interactions. Tie line analysis reveals that stoichiometric ratios of different components and their sequence-encoded interactions contribute jointly to the driving forces for condensate formation. Simulations also show that the spatial organization of PLCDs within condensates is governed by relative strengths of homotypic versus heterotypic interactions. We uncover rules for how interaction strengths and sequence lengths modulate conformational preferences of molecules at interfaces of condensates formed by mixtures of proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Farag
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Wade M Borcherds
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Anne Bremer
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Tanja Mittag
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
| | - Rohit V Pappu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
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15
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Dragwidge JM, Van Damme D. Protein phase separation in plant membrane biology: more than just a compartmentalization strategy. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:3162-3172. [PMID: 37352127 PMCID: PMC10473209 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
The formation of biomolecular condensates through phase separation is an important strategy to compartmentalize cellular functions. While it is now well established that condensates exist throughout eukaryotic cells, how condensates assemble and function on lipid membranes is only beginning to be understood. In this perspective, we highlight work from plant, animal, and yeast model systems showing that condensates assemble on many endomembrane surfaces to carry out diverse functions. In vesicle trafficking, condensation has reported roles in the formation of endocytic vesicles and autophagosomes and in the inactivation of secretory COPII vesicles. We briefly discuss how membranes and membrane lipids regulate the formation and function of membrane-associated condensates. This includes how membranes act as surfaces for condensate assembly, with lipids mediating the nucleation of condensates during endocytosis and other processes. Additionally, membrane-condensate interactions give rise to the biophysical property of "wetting", which has functional importance in shaping autophagosomal and vacuolar membranes. We also speculate on the existence of membrane-associated condensates during cell polarity in plants and discuss how condensation may help to establish functional plasma membrane domains. Lastly, we provide advice on relevant in vitro and in vivo approaches and techniques to study membrane-associated phase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Michael Dragwidge
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Technologiepark 71, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Technologiepark 71, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Daniël Van Damme
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Technologiepark 71, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, Technologiepark 71, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
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16
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Toledo PL, Gianotti AR, Vazquez DS, Ermácora MR. Protein nanocondensates: the next frontier. Biophys Rev 2023; 15:515-530. [PMID: 37681092 PMCID: PMC10480383 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-023-01105-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, myriads of studies have highlighted the central role of protein condensation in subcellular compartmentalization and spatiotemporal organization of biological processes. Conceptually, protein condensation stands at the highest level in protein structure hierarchy, accounting for the assembly of bodies ranging from thousands to billions of molecules and for densities ranging from dense liquids to solid materials. In size, protein condensates range from nanocondensates of hundreds of nanometers (mesoscopic clusters) to phase-separated micron-sized condensates. In this review, we focus on protein nanocondensation, a process that can occur in subsaturated solutions and can nucleate dense liquid phases, crystals, amorphous aggregates, and fibers. We discuss the nanocondensation of proteins in the light of general physical principles and examine the biophysical properties of several outstanding examples of nanocondensation. We conclude that protein nanocondensation cannot be fully explained by the conceptual framework of micron-scale biomolecular condensation. The evolution of nanocondensates through changes in density and order is currently under intense investigation, and this should lead to the development of a general theoretical framework, capable of encompassing the full range of sizes and densities found in protein condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela L. Toledo
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Roque Sáenz Peña 352, 1876, Bernal, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Grupo de Biología Estructural y Biotecnología, IMBICE, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Bernal, Argentina
| | - Alejo R. Gianotti
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Roque Sáenz Peña 352, 1876, Bernal, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Grupo de Biología Estructural y Biotecnología, IMBICE, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Bernal, Argentina
| | - Diego S. Vazquez
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Roque Sáenz Peña 352, 1876, Bernal, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Grupo de Biología Estructural y Biotecnología, IMBICE, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Bernal, Argentina
| | - Mario R. Ermácora
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Roque Sáenz Peña 352, 1876, Bernal, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Grupo de Biología Estructural y Biotecnología, IMBICE, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Bernal, Argentina
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17
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Yadav GP, Wang H, Ouwendijk J, Cross S, Wang Q, Qin F, Verkade P, Zhu MX, Jiang QX. Chromogranin B (CHGB) is dimorphic and responsible for dominant anion channels delivered to cell surface via regulated secretion. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1205516. [PMID: 37435575 PMCID: PMC10330821 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1205516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulated secretion is conserved in all eukaryotes. In vertebrates granin family proteins function in all key steps of regulated secretion. Phase separation and amyloid-based storage of proteins and small molecules in secretory granules require ion homeostasis to maintain their steady states, and thus need ion conductances in granule membranes. But granular ion channels are still elusive. Here we show that granule exocytosis in neuroendocrine cells delivers to cell surface dominant anion channels, to which chromogranin B (CHGB) is critical. Biochemical fractionation shows that native CHGB distributes nearly equally in soluble and membrane-bound forms, and both reconstitute highly selective anion channels in membrane. Confocal imaging resolves granular membrane components including proton pumps and CHGB in puncta on the cell surface after stimulated exocytosis. High pressure freezing immuno-EM reveals a major fraction of CHGB at granule membranes in rat pancreatic β-cells. A cryo-EM structure of bCHGB dimer of a nominal 3.5 Å resolution delineates a central pore with end openings, physically sufficient for membrane-spanning and large single channel conductance. Together our data support that CHGB-containing (CHGB+) channels are characteristic of regulated secretion, and function in granule ion homeostasis near the plasma membrane or possibly in other intracellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaya P. Yadav
- Departments of Microbiology and Cell Science and of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Departments of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Haiyuan Wang
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Joke Ouwendijk
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Cross
- Wolfson Bioimaging facility, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Qiaochu Wang
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Feng Qin
- Departments of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Paul Verkade
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Michael X. Zhu
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Qiu-Xing Jiang
- Departments of Microbiology and Cell Science and of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Departments of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, Buffalo, NY, United States
- Cryo-EM Center, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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18
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Farag M, Holehouse AS, Zeng X, Pappu RV. FIREBALL: A tool to fit protein phase diagrams based on mean-field theories for polymer solutions. Biophys J 2023; 122:2396-2403. [PMID: 37161095 PMCID: PMC10323018 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates form via phase transitions of condensate-specific biomacromolecules. Intrinsically disordered regions featuring the appropriate sequence grammars can contribute via homotypic and heterotypic interactions to the driving forces for phase separation of multivalent proteins. Experiments and computations have matured to the point where the concentrations of coexisting dense and dilute phases can be measured or computed for individual intrinsically disordered regions in complex milieus. For a macromolecule such as a disordered protein in a solvent, the locus of points that connects concentrations of the two coexisting phases defines a phase boundary, or binodal. Often, only a few points along the binodal are accessible via measurements. In such cases, and for quantitative and comparative analysis of parameters that describe the driving forces for phase separation, it is useful to fit measured or computed binodals to mean-field free energies for polymer solutions. The nonlinearity of the underlying free energy functions makes it challenging to put mean-field theories into practice. Here, we present FIREBALL, a suite of computational tools designed to enable efficient construction, analysis, and fitting to experimental or computed data of binodals. We show that depending on the theory being used, one can also extract information regarding coil-to-globule transitions of individual macromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Farag
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri; Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Alex S Holehouse
- Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Xiangze Zeng
- Department of Physics, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong; Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Rohit V Pappu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri; Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.
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19
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Boyer CK, Bauchle CJ, Zhang J, Wang Y, Stephens SB. Synchronized proinsulin trafficking reveals delayed Golgi export accompanies β-cell secretory dysfunction in rodent models of hyperglycemia. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5218. [PMID: 36997560 PMCID: PMC10063606 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32322-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The pancreatic islet β-cell's preference for release of newly synthesized insulin requires careful coordination of insulin exocytosis with sufficient insulin granule production to ensure that insulin stores exceed peripheral demands for glucose homeostasis. Thus, the cellular mechanisms regulating insulin granule production are critical to maintaining β-cell function. In this report, we utilized the synchronous protein trafficking system, RUSH, in primary β-cells to evaluate proinsulin transit through the secretory pathway leading to insulin granule formation. We demonstrate that the trafficking, processing, and secretion of the proinsulin RUSH reporter, proCpepRUSH, are consistent with current models of insulin maturation and release. Using both a rodent dietary and genetic model of hyperglycemia and β-cell dysfunction, we show that proinsulin trafficking is impeded at the Golgi and coincides with the decreased appearance of nascent insulin granules at the plasma membrane. Ultrastructural analysis of β-cells from diabetic leptin receptor deficient mice revealed gross morphological changes in Golgi structure, including shortened and swollen cisternae, and partial Golgi vesiculation, which are consistent with defects in secretory protein export. Collectively, this work highlights the utility of the proCpepRUSH reporter in studying proinsulin trafficking dynamics and suggests that altered Golgi export function contributes to β-cell secretory defects in the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cierra K Boyer
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
| | - Casey J Bauchle
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
| | - Jianchao Zhang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yanzhuang Wang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Samuel B Stephens
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA.
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA.
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20
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Farag M, Holehouse AS, Zeng X, Pappu RV. FIREBALL: A tool to fit protein phase diagrams based on mean-field theories for polymer solutions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.19.533322. [PMID: 36993371 PMCID: PMC10055191 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.19.533322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates form via phase transitions of condensate-specific biomacromolecules. Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) featuring the appropriate sequence grammar can contribute homotypic and heterotypic interactions to the driving forces for phase separation of multivalent proteins. At this juncture, experiments and computations have matured to the point where the concentrations of coexisting dense and dilute phases can be quantified for individual IDRs in complex milieus both in vitro and in vivo . For a macromolecule such as a disordered protein in a solvent, the locus of points that connects concentrations of the two coexisting phases defines a phase boundary or binodal. Often, only a few points along the binodal, especially in the dense phase, are accessible for measurement. In such cases and for quantitative and comparative analysis of parameters that describe the driving forces for phase separation, it is useful to fit measured or computed binodals to well-known mean-field free energies for polymer solutions. Unfortunately, the non-linearity of the underlying free energy functions makes it challenging to put mean-field theories into practice. Here, we present FIREBALL, a suite of computational tools designed to enable efficient construction, analysis, and fitting to experimental or computed data of binodals. We show that depending on the theory being used, one can also extract information regarding coil-to-globule transitions of individual macromolecules. Here, we emphasize the ease-of-use and utility of FIREBALL using examples based on data for two different IDRs. Statement of Significance Macromolecular phase separation drives the assembly of membraneless bodies known as biomolecular condensates. Measurements and computer simulations can now be brought to bear to quantify how the concentrations of macromolecules in coexisting dilute and dense phases vary with changes to solution conditions. These mappings can be fit to analytical expressions for free energies of solution to extract information regarding parameters that enable comparative assessments of the balance of macromolecule-solvent interactions across different systems. However, the underlying free energies are non-linear and fitting them to actual data is non-trivial. To enable comparative numerical analyses, we introduce FIREBALL, a user-friendly suite of computational tools that allows one to generate, analyze, and fit phase diagrams and coil-to-globule transitions using well-known theories.
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21
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Farag M, Borcherds WM, Bremer A, Mittag T, Pappu RV. Phase Separation in Mixtures of Prion-Like Low Complexity Domains is Driven by the Interplay of Homotypic and Heterotypic Interactions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.15.532828. [PMID: 36993212 PMCID: PMC10055064 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.15.532828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Prion-like low-complexity domains (PLCDs) are involved in the formation and regulation of distinct biomolecular condensates that form via coupled associative and segregative phase transitions. We previously deciphered how evolutionarily conserved sequence features drive phase separation of PLCDs through homotypic interactions. However, condensates typically encompass a diverse mixture of proteins with PLCDs. Here, we combine simulations and experiments to study mixtures of PLCDs from two RNA binding proteins namely, hnRNPA1 and FUS. We find that 1:1 mixtures of the A1-LCD and FUS-LCD undergo phase separation more readily than either of the PLCDs on their own. The enhanced driving forces for phase separation of mixtures of A1-LCD and FUS-LCD arise partly from complementary electrostatic interactions between the two proteins. This complex coacervation-like mechanism adds to complementary interactions among aromatic residues. Further, tie line analysis shows that stoichiometric ratios of different components and their sequence-encoded interactions jointly contribute to the driving forces for condensate formation. These results highlight how expression levels might be tuned to regulate the driving forces for condensate formation in vivo . Simulations also show that the organization of PLCDs within condensates deviates from expectations based on random mixture models. Instead, spatial organization within condensates will reflect the relative strengths of homotypic versus heterotypic interactions. We also uncover rules for how interaction strengths and sequence lengths modulate conformational preferences of molecules at interfaces of condensates formed by mixtures of proteins. Overall, our findings emphasize the network-like organization of molecules within multicomponent condensates, and the distinctive, composition-specific conformational features of condensate interfaces. Significance Statement Biomolecular condensates are mixtures of different protein and nucleic acid molecules that organize biochemical reactions in cells. Much of what we know about how condensates form comes from studies of phase transitions of individual components of condensates. Here, we report results from studies of phase transitions of mixtures of archetypal protein domains that feature in distinct condensates. Our investigations, aided by a blend of computations and experiments, show that the phase transitions of mixtures are governed by a complex interplay of homotypic and heterotypic interactions. The results point to how expression levels of different protein components can be tuned in cells to modulate internal structures, compositions, and interfaces of condensates, thus affording distinct ways to control the functions of condensates.
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22
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Bogan JS. Waxy lipids and waning insulin secretion. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:7-8. [PMID: 36543980 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-01036-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S Bogan
- Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA. .,Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA. .,Yale Center for Molecular and Systems Metabolism, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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