1
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Elverson K, Freeman S, Manson F, Warwicker J. Computational Investigation of Mechanisms for pH Modulation of Human Chloride Channels. Molecules 2023; 28:5753. [PMID: 37570721 PMCID: PMC10420675 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Many transmembrane proteins are modulated by intracellular or extracellular pH. Investigation of pH dependence generally proceeds by mutagenesis of a wide set of amino acids, guided by properties such as amino-acid conservation and structure. Prediction of pKas can streamline this process, allowing rapid and effective identification of amino acids of interest with respect to pH dependence. Commencing with the calcium-activated chloride channel bestrophin 1, the carboxylate ligand structure around calcium sites relaxes in the absence of calcium, consistent with a measured lack of pH dependence. By contrast, less relaxation in the absence of calcium in TMEM16A, and maintenance of elevated carboxylate sidechain pKas, is suggested to give rise to pH-dependent chloride channel activity. This hypothesis, modulation of calcium/proton coupling and pH-dependent activity through the extent of structural relaxation, is shown to apply to the well-characterised cytosolic proteins calmodulin (pH-independent) and calbindin D9k (pH-dependent). Further application of destabilised, ionisable charge sites, or electrostatic frustration, is made to other human chloride channels (that are not calcium-activated), ClC-2, GABAA, and GlyR. Experimentally determined sites of pH modulation are readily identified. Structure-based tools for pKa prediction are freely available, allowing users to focus on mutagenesis studies, construct hypothetical proton pathways, and derive hypotheses such as the model for control of pH-dependent calcium activation through structural flexibility. Predicting altered pH dependence for mutations in ion channel disorders can support experimentation and, ultimately, clinical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Elverson
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Sally Freeman
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Forbes Manson
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Jim Warwicker
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, UK
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2
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Zhang L, Wang Y, Yuan W, An C, Tan Q, Ma J. BEST1 Positive Monocytes in Circulation: Visualize Intratumoral Crosstalk between Cancer Cells and Monocytes. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023:e2205915. [PMID: 37088729 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are characterized by an abundance of monocytes and macrophages recruited from the peripheral blood. However, it has not been determined whether these infiltrated cells can be released back into circulation with a tumor-associated neobiosignature. This study reports that Bestrophin1 (BEST1), a component protein of Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels (CaCCs), is highly expressed on classical monocytes in the peripheral blood of HNSCC patients. This is due to monocyte education by tumor cells, in which tumoral VEGF-A upregulates BEST1 expression on monocytes through the MEK-ERK-ELK1 pathway. This leads to improved secretion of IL-6 and IL-8, which promotes tumor cell proliferation. This work also finds that BEST1 facilitates the motility of monocytes, contributing to the migration of these cells back into circulation. These results suggest that the expression of BEST1 on peripheral monocytes may be a potential tool for monitoring tumor progression, and opens up the possibility of searching for cancer biomarkers on monocytes rather than on the tumor or its products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Zhang
- Center of Biotherapy, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, P. R. China
| | - Yiran Wang
- Center of Biotherapy, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, P. R. China
| | - Wei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/ National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, P. R. China
| | - Changming An
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/ National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, P. R. China
| | - Qin Tan
- Center of Biotherapy, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, P. R. China
| | - Jie Ma
- Center of Biotherapy, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, P. R. China
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3
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Tosaka T, Kamiya K. Function Investigations and Applications of Membrane Proteins on Artificial Lipid Membranes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087231. [PMID: 37108393 PMCID: PMC10138308 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane proteins play an important role in key cellular functions, such as signal transduction, apoptosis, and metabolism. Therefore, structural and functional studies of these proteins are essential in fields such as fundamental biology, medical science, pharmacology, biotechnology, and bioengineering. However, observing the precise elemental reactions and structures of membrane proteins is difficult, despite their functioning through interactions with various biomolecules in living cells. To investigate these properties, methodologies have been developed to study the functions of membrane proteins that have been purified from biological cells. In this paper, we introduce various methods for creating liposomes or lipid vesicles, from conventional to recent approaches, as well as techniques for reconstituting membrane proteins into artificial membranes. We also cover the different types of artificial membranes that can be used to observe the functions of reconstituted membrane proteins, including their structure, number of transmembrane domains, and functional type. Finally, we discuss the reconstitution of membrane proteins using a cell-free synthesis system and the reconstitution and function of multiple membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Tosaka
- Division of Molecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Gunma University, Gunma 376-8515, Japan
| | - Koki Kamiya
- Division of Molecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Gunma University, Gunma 376-8515, Japan
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4
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Delgado BD, Long SB. Mechanisms of ion selectivity and throughput in the mitochondrial calcium uniporter. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eade1516. [PMID: 36525497 PMCID: PMC9757755 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade1516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The mitochondrial calcium uniporter, which regulates aerobic metabolism by catalyzing mitochondrial Ca2+ influx, is arguably the most selective ion channel known. The mechanisms for this exquisite Ca2+ selectivity have not been defined. Here, using a reconstituted system, we study the electrical properties of the channel's minimal Ca2+-conducting complex, MCU-EMRE, from Tribolium castaneum to probe ion selectivity mechanisms. The wild-type TcMCU-EMRE complex recapitulates hallmark electrophysiological properties of endogenous Uniporter channels. Through interrogation of pore-lining mutants, we find that a ring of glutamate residues, the "E-locus," serves as the channel's selectivity filter. Unexpectedly, a nearby "D-locus" at the mouth of the pore has diminutive influence on selectivity. Anomalous mole fraction effects indicate that multiple Ca2+ ions are accommodated within the E-locus. By facilitating ion-ion interactions, the E-locus engenders both exquisite Ca2+ selectivity and high ion throughput. Direct comparison with structural information yields the basis for selective Ca2+ conduction by the channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce D. Delgado
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Cell and Developmental Biology, and Molecular Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Stephen B. Long
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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5
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Lee JM, Gadhe CG, Kang H, Pae AN, Lee CJ. Glutamate Permeability of Chicken Best1. Exp Neurobiol 2022; 31:277-288. [PMID: 36351838 PMCID: PMC9659495 DOI: 10.5607/en22038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bestrophin-1 (Best1) is a calcium (Ca2+)-activated chloride (Cl-) channel which has a phylogenetically conserved channel structure with an aperture and neck in the ion-conducting pathway. Mammalian mouse Best1 (mBest1) has been known to have a permeability for large organic anions including gluconate, glutamate, and D-serine, in addition to several small monovalent anions, such as Cl‑, bromine (Br-), iodine (I-), and thiocyanate (SCN-). However, it is still unclear whether non-mammalian Best1 has a glutamate permeability through the ion-conducting pathway. Here, we report that chicken Best1 (cBest1) is permeable to glutamate in a Ca2+-dependent manner. The molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation showed a glutamate binding at the aperture and neck of cBest1 and a glutamate permeation through the ion-conducting pore, respectively. Moreover, through electrophysiological recordings, we calculated the permeability ratio of glutamate to Cl- (PGlutamate/PCl) as 0.28 based on the reversal potential shift by ion substitution from Cl- to glutamate in the internal solution. Finally, we directly detected the Ca2+-dependent glutamate release through cBest1 using the ultrasensitive two-cell sniffer patch technique. Our results propose that Best1 homologs from non-mammalian (cBest1) to mammalian (mBest1) have a conserved permeability for glutamate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Moo Lee
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34126, Korea
| | | | - Hyunji Kang
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34126, Korea
- IBS School, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
| | - Ae Nim Pae
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
- KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - C. Justin Lee
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34126, Korea
- IBS School, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
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6
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Impaired Bestrophin Channel Activity in an iPSC-RPE Model of Best Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy (BVMD) from an Early Onset Patient Carrying the P77S Dominant Mutation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137432. [PMID: 35806438 PMCID: PMC9266689 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Best Vitelliform Macular dystrophy (BVMD) is the most prevalent of the distinctive retinal dystrophies caused by mutations in the BEST1 gene. This gene, which encodes for a homopentameric calcium-activated ion channel, is crucial for the homeostasis and function of the retinal pigment epithelia (RPE), the cell type responsible for recycling the visual pigments generated by photoreceptor cells. In BVMD patients, mutations in this gene induce functional problems in the RPE cell layer with an accumulation of lipofucsin that evolves into cell death and loss of sight. In this work, we employ iPSC-RPE cells derived from a patient with the p.Pro77Ser dominant mutation to determine the correlation between this variant and the ocular phenotype. To this purpose, gene and protein expression and localization are evaluated in iPSC-RPE cells along with functional assays like phagocytosis and anion channel activity. Our cell model shows no differences in gene expression, protein expression/localization, or phagocytosis capacity, but presents an increased chloride entrance, indicating that the p.Pro77Ser variant might be a gain-of-function mutation. We hypothesize that this variant disturbs the neck region of the BEST1 channel, affecting channel function but maintaining cell homeostasis in the short term. This data shed new light on the different phenotypes of dominant mutations in BEST1, and emphasize the importance of understanding its molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, the data widen the knowledge of this pathology and open the door for a better diagnosis and prognosis of the disease.
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7
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Owji AP, Wang J, Kittredge A, Clark Z, Zhang Y, Hendrickson WA, Yang T. Structures and gating mechanisms of human bestrophin anion channels. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3836. [PMID: 35789156 PMCID: PMC9253114 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31437-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Bestrophin-1 (Best1) and bestrophin-2 (Best2) are two members of the bestrophin family of calcium (Ca2+)-activated chloride (Cl−) channels with critical involvement in ocular physiology and direct pathological relevance. Here, we report cryo-EM structures of wild-type human Best1 and Best2 in various states at up to 1.8 Å resolution. Ca2+-bound Best1 structures illustrate partially open conformations at the two Ca2+-dependent gates of the channels, in contrast to the fully open conformations observed in Ca2+-bound Best2, which is in accord with the significantly smaller currents conducted by Best1 in electrophysiological recordings. Comparison of the closed and open states reveals a C-terminal auto-inhibitory segment (AS), which constricts the channel concentrically by wrapping around the channel periphery in an inter-protomer manner and must be released to allow channel opening. Our results demonstrate that removing the AS from Best1 and Best2 results in truncation mutants with similar activities, while swapping the AS between Best1 and Best2 results in chimeric mutants with swapped activities, underlying a key role of the AS in determining paralog specificity among bestrophins. Bestrophin channels are critical for physiology of the eye. Here, authors report cryo-EM structures of human bestrophins in various states at up to 1.8 Å resolution, revealing paralog-specific features that underlie molecular mechanisms of permeation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron P Owji
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jiali Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alec Kittredge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zada Clark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Wayne A Hendrickson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. .,New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Tingting Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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8
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Cryo-EM structures of thylakoid-located voltage-dependent chloride channel VCCN1. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2505. [PMID: 35523970 PMCID: PMC9076864 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30292-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In the light reaction of plant photosynthesis, modulation of electron transport chain reactions is important to maintain the efficiency of photosynthesis under a broad range of light intensities. VCCN1 was recently identified as a voltage-gated chloride channel residing in the thylakoid membrane, where it plays a key role in photoreaction tuning to avoid the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we present the cryo-EM structures of Malus domestica VCCN1 (MdVCCN1) in nanodiscs and detergent at 2.7 Å and 3.0 Å resolutions, respectively, and the structure-based electrophysiological analyses. VCCN1 structurally resembles its animal homolog, bestrophin, a Ca2+-gated anion channel. However, unlike bestrophin channels, VCCN1 lacks the Ca2+-binding motif but instead contains an N-terminal charged helix that is anchored to the lipid membrane through an additional amphipathic helix. Electrophysiological experiments demonstrate that these structural elements are essential for the channel activity, thus revealing the distinct activation mechanism of VCCN1.
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9
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Self-organization and surface properties of hBest1 in models of biological membranes. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2022; 302:102619. [PMID: 35276535 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2022.102619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The transmembrane Ca2+ - activated Cl- channel - human bestrophin-1 (hBest1) is expressed in retinal pigment epithelium and mutations of BEST1 gene cause ocular degenerative diseases colectivelly referred to as "bestrophinopathies". A large number of genetical, biochemical, biophysical and molecular biological studies have been performed to understand the relationship between structure and function of the hBest1 protein and its pathophysiological significance. Here, we review the current understanding of hBest1 surface organization, interactions with membrane lipids in model membranes, and its association with microdomains of cellular membranes. These highlights are significant for modulation of channel activity in cells.
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10
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Owji AP, Kittredge A, Zhang Y, Yang T. Structure and Function of the Bestrophin family of calcium-activated chloride channels. Channels (Austin) 2021; 15:604-623. [PMID: 34612806 PMCID: PMC8496536 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2021.1981625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bestrophins are a family of calcium-activated chloride channels (CaCCs) with relevance to human physiology and a myriad of eye diseases termed "bestrophinopathies". Since the identification of bestrophins as CaCCs nearly two decades ago, extensive studies from electrophysiological and structural biology perspectives have sought to define their key channel features including calcium sensing, gating, inactivation, and anion selectivity. The initial X-ray crystallography studies on the prokaryotic homolog of Best1, Klebsiella pneumoniae (KpBest), and the Best1 homolog from Gallus gallus (chicken Best1, cBest1), laid the foundational groundwork for establishing the architecture of Best1. Recent progress utilizing single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy has further elucidated the molecular mechanism of gating in cBest1 and, separately, the structure of Best2 from Bos taurus (bovine Best2, bBest2). Meanwhile, whole-cell patch clamp, planar lipid bilayer, and other electrophysiologic analyses using these models as well as the human Best1 (hBest1) have provided ample evidence describing the functional properties of the bestrophin channels. This review seeks to consolidate these structural and functional results to paint a broad picture of the underlying mechanisms comprising the bestrophin family's structure-function relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron P Owji
- Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University, NY, USA
| | - Alec Kittredge
- Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University, NY, USA
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, NY, USA
| | - Tingting Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, NY, USA
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11
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Kittredge A, Zhang Y, Yang T. Evaluating BEST1 mutations in pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells. Methods Enzymol 2021; 654:365-382. [PMID: 34120722 PMCID: PMC9801436 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Bestrophin-1 (BEST1) is a calcium-activated chloride channel (CaCC) predominantly expressed at the basolateral membrane of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Over 250 mutations in the BEST1 gene have been documented to cause at least five retinal degenerative disorders, commonly termed bestrophinopathies, to which no treatment is currently available. Therefore, understanding the influences of BEST1 disease-causing mutations on the physiological function of BEST1 in RPE is critical for deciphering the pathology of bestrophinopathies and developing therapeutic strategies for patients. However, this task has been impeded by the rarity of BEST1 mutations and limited accessibility to native human RPE cells. Here, we describe a pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-based pipeline for reproducibly generating RPE cells expressing endogenous or exogenous mutant BEST1, which provides us with a powerful "disease-in-a-dish" approach for studying BEST1 mutations in physiological environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec Kittredge
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States,Corresponding authors: ; ;
| | - Tingting Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States,Corresponding authors: ; ;
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12
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Hou X, Outhwaite IR, Pedi L, Long SB. Cryo-EM structure of the calcium release-activated calcium channel Orai in an open conformation. eLife 2020; 9:62772. [PMID: 33252040 PMCID: PMC7723414 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The calcium release-activated calcium channel Orai regulates Ca2+ entry into non-excitable cells and is required for proper immune function. While the channel typically opens following Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum, certain pathologic mutations render the channel constitutively open. Previously, using one such mutation (H206A), we obtained low (6.7 Å) resolution X-ray structural information on Drosophila melanogaster Orai in an open conformation (Hou et al., 2018). Here we present a structure of this open conformation at 3.3 Å resolution using fiducial-assisted cryo-electron microscopy. The improved structure reveals the conformations of amino acids in the open pore, which dilates by outward movements of subunits. A ring of phenylalanine residues repositions to expose previously shielded glycine residues to the pore without significant rotational movement of the associated helices. Together with other hydrophobic amino acids, the phenylalanines act as the channel's gate. Structured M1-M2 turrets, not evident previously, form the channel's extracellular entrance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Hou
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
| | - Ian R Outhwaite
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
| | - Leanne Pedi
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
| | - Stephen Barstow Long
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
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13
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Zhang Y, Chatzistamou I, Kiaris H. Identification of frailty-associated genes by coordination analysis of gene expression. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:4222-4229. [PMID: 32112643 PMCID: PMC7093164 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Differential expression analyses provide powerful tools for the identification of genes playing a role in disease pathogenesis. Yet, such approaches are usually restricted by the high variation in expression profiles when primary specimens are analyzed. It is conceivable that with the assessment of the degree of coordination in gene expression as opposed to the magnitude of differential expression, we may obtain hints underscoring different biological and pathological states. Here we have analyzed a publicly available dataset related to frailty, a syndrome characterized by reduced responsiveness to stressors and exhibiting increased prevalence in the elderly. We evaluated the transcriptome that loses its coordination between the frailty and control groups and assessed the biological functions that are acquired in the former group. Among the top genes exhibiting the lowest correlation, at the whole transcriptome level, between the control and frailty groups were TSIX, BEST1 and ADAMTSL4. Processes related to immune response and regulation of cellular metabolism and the metabolism of macromolecules emerged in the frailty group. The proposed strategy confirms and extends earlier findings regarding the pathogenesis of frailty and provides a paradigm on how the diversity in expression profiles of primary specimens could be leveraged for target discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youwen Zhang
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Ioulia Chatzistamou
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Hippokratis Kiaris
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.,Peromyscus Genetic Stock Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
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14
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Ji C, Kittredge A, Hopiavuori A, Ward N, Chen S, Fukuda Y, Zhang Y, Yang T. Dual Ca 2+-dependent gates in human Bestrophin1 underlie disease-causing mechanisms of gain-of-function mutations. Commun Biol 2019; 2:240. [PMID: 31263784 PMCID: PMC6591409 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0433-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations of human BEST1, encoding a Ca2+-activated Cl- channel (hBest1), cause macular degenerative disorders. Best1 homolog structures reveal an evolutionarily conserved channel architecture highlighted by two landmark restrictions (named the "neck" and "aperture", respectively) in the ion conducting pathway, suggesting a unique dual-switch gating mechanism, which, however, has not been characterized well. Using patch clamp and crystallography, we demonstrate that both the neck and aperture in hBest1 are Ca2+-dependent gates essential for preventing channel leakage resulting from Ca2+-independent, spontaneous gate opening. Importantly, three patient-derived mutations (D203A, I205T and Y236C) lead to Ca2+-independent leakage and elevated Ca2+-dependent anion currents due to enhanced opening of the gates. Moreover, we identify a network of residues critically involved in gate operation. Together, our results suggest an indispensable role of the neck and aperture of hBest1 for channel gating, and uncover disease-causing mechanisms of hBest1 gain-of-function mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changyi Ji
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Alec Kittredge
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Austin Hopiavuori
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Nancy Ward
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Shoudeng Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, Department of Experimental Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 519000 Zhuhai, Guangzhou China
| | - Yohta Fukuda
- Division of Advance Pharmaco-Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 1-6, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Tingting Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
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Miller AN, Vaisey G, Long SB. Molecular mechanisms of gating in the calcium-activated chloride channel bestrophin. eLife 2019; 8:43231. [PMID: 30628889 PMCID: PMC6342527 DOI: 10.7554/elife.43231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bestrophin (BEST1-4) ligand-gated chloride (Cl-) channels are activated by calcium (Ca2+). Mutation of BEST1 causes retinal disease. Partly because bestrophin channels have no sequence or structural similarity to other ion channels, the molecular mechanisms underlying gating are unknown. Here, we present a series of cryo-electron microscopy structures of chicken BEST1, determined at 3.1 Å resolution or better, that represent the channel’s principal gating states. Unlike other channels, opening of the pore is due to the repositioning of tethered pore-lining helices within a surrounding protein shell that dramatically widens a neck of the pore through a concertina of amino acid rearrangements. The neck serves as both the activation and the inactivation gate. Ca2+ binding instigates opening of the neck through allosteric means whereas inactivation peptide binding induces closing. An aperture within the otherwise wide pore controls anion permeability. The studies define a new molecular paradigm for gating among ligand-gated ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria N Miller
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
| | - George Vaisey
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States.,Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
| | - Stephen B Long
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
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Abstract
Stockbridge highlights new work revealing an allosteric inactivation mechanism for the bestrophin channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randy B Stockbridge
- Program in Biophysics and Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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