Identification of the P-body component PATL1 as a novel ALG-2-interacting protein by in silico and far-Western screening of proline-rich proteins

Multifaceted roles of PDCD6 both within and outside the cell

Programmed cell death protein 6 (PDCD6) is an evolutionarily conserved Ca2+-binding protein. PDCD6 is involved in regulating multifaceted and pleiotropic cellular processes in different cellular compartments. For instance, nuclear PDCD6 regulates apoptosis and alternative splicing. PDCD6 is required for coat protein complex II-dependent endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi apparatus vesicular transport in the cytoplasm. Recent advances suggest that cytoplasmic PDCD6 is involved in the regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics and innate immune responses. Additionally, membranous PDCD6 participates in membrane repair through endosomal sorting complex required for transport complex-dependent membrane budding. Interestingly, extracellular vesicles are rich in PDCD6. Moreover, abnormal expression of PDCD6 is closely associated with many diseases, especially cancer. PDCD6 is therefore a multifaceted but pivotal protein in vivo. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of PDCD6 functions and to focus and stimulate PDCD6 research, this review summarizes key developments in its role in different subcellular compartments, processes, and pathologies.

The Novel ALG-2 Target Protein CDIP1 Promotes Cell Death by Interacting with ESCRT-I and VAPA/B

Apoptosis-linked gene 2 (ALG-2, also known as PDCD6) is a member of the penta-EF-hand (PEF) family of Ca²⁺-binding proteins. The murine gene encoding ALG-2 was originally reported to be an essential gene for apoptosis. However, the role of ALG-2 in cell death pathways has remained elusive. In the present study, we found that cell death-inducing p53 target protein 1 (CDIP1), a pro-apoptotic protein, interacts with ALG-2 in a Ca²⁺-dependent manner. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis of GFP-fused CDIP1 (GFP-CDIP1) revealed that GFP-CDIP1 associates with tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101), a known target of ALG-2 and a subunit of endosomal sorting complex required for transport-I (ESCRT-I). ESCRT-I is a heterotetrameric complex composed of TSG101, VPS28, VPS37 and MVB12/UBAP1. Of diverse ESCRT-I species originating from four VPS37 isoforms (A, B, C, and D), CDIP1 preferentially associates with ESCRT-I containing VPS37B or VPS37C in part through the adaptor function of ALG-2. Overexpression of GFP-CDIP1 in HEK293 cells caused caspase-3/7-mediated cell death. In addition, the cell death was enhanced by co-expression of ALG-2 and ESCRT-I, indicating that ALG-2 likely promotes CDIP1-induced cell death by promoting the association between CDIP1 and ESCRT-I. We also found that CDIP1 binds to vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein (VAP)A and VAPB through the two phenylalanines in an acidic tract (FFAT)-like motif in the C-terminal region of CDIP1, mutations of which resulted in reduction of CDIP1-induced cell death. Therefore, our findings suggest that different expression levels of ALG-2, ESCRT-I subunits, VAPA and VAPB may have an impact on sensitivity of anticancer drugs associated with CDIP1 expression.

The Penta-EF-Hand ALG-2 Protein Interacts with the Cytosolic Domain of the SOCE Regulator SARAF and Interferes with Ubiquitination

ALG-2 is a penta-EF-hand Ca²⁺-binding protein and interacts with a variety of proteins in mammalian cells. In order to find new ALG-2-binding partners, we searched a human protein database and retrieved sequences containing the previously identified ALG-2-binding motif type 2 (ABM-2). After selecting 12 high-scored sequences, we expressed partial or full-length GFP-fused proteins in HEK293 cells and performed a semi-quantitative in vitro binding assay. SARAF, a negative regulator of store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE), showed the strongest binding activity. Biochemical analysis of Strep-tagged and GFP-fused SARAF proteins revealed ubiquitination that proceeded during pulldown assays under certain buffer conditions. Overexpression of ALG-2 interfered with ubiquitination of wild-type SARAF but not ubiquitination of the F228S mutant that had impaired ALG-2-binding activity. The SARAF cytosolic domain (CytD) contains two PPXY motifs targeted by the WW domains of NEDD4 family E3 ubiquitin ligases. The PPXY motif proximal to the ABM-2 sequence was found to be more important for both in-cell ubiquitination and post-cell lysis ubiquitination. A ubiquitination-defective mutant of SARAF with Lys-to-Arg substitutions in the CytD showed a slower degradation rate by half-life analysis. ALG-2 promoted Ca²⁺-dependent CytD-to-CytD interactions of SARAF. The ALG-2 dimer may modulate the stability of SARAF by sterically blocking ubiquitination and by bridging SARAF molecules at the CytDs.

Structures and functions of penta-EF-hand calcium-binding proteins and their interacting partners: enigmatic relationships between ALG-2 and calpain-7

The penta-EF-hand (PEF) protein family includes ALG-2 (gene name, PDCD6) and its paralogs as well as classical calpain family members. ALG-2 is a prototypic PEF protein that is widely distributed in eukaryotes and interacts with a variety of proteins in a Ca²⁺-dependent manner. Mammalian ALG-2 and its interacting partners have various modulatory roles including roles in cell death, signal transduction, membrane repair, ER-to-Golgi vesicular transport, and RNA processing. Some ALG-2-interacting proteins are key factors that function in the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) system. On the other hand, mammalian calpain-7 (CAPN7) lacks the PEF domain but contains two microtubule-interacting and trafficking (MIT) domains in tandem. CAPN7 interacts with a subset of ESCRT-III proteins through the MIT domains and regulates EGF receptor downregulation. Structures and functions of ALG-2 and those of its interacting partners as well as relationships with the calpain family are reviewed in this article.

Proteomic Analysis of a Bioactive Aloe vera Extract

Background:

Aloe vera, a plant belonging to the family Xanthorrhoeaceae, has received special interest in recent years, not only for the commercial importance of its derivatives, but also because of the identification of new molecules from this plant. The latter may provide a scientific support for ethnobotany, which has been beneficial to mankind for centuries.

Objective:

Recently, the pharmacological activity of proteins derived from natural sources, including plants, is being explored. We report on the extraction and identification of proteins from A. vera with antimicrobial activity.

Results:

The protein extract (yield, 0.15%) contained 15 peptides or proteins, whose sequences were associated with membrane proteins, enzymes, and proteins involved in stress tolerance and defense against pathogens. The latter is consistent with the previously reported antimicrobial activity of an A. vera protein extract.

Adaptor functions of the Ca2+-binding protein ALG-2 in protein transport from the endoplasmic reticulum

Apoptosis-linked gene 2 (ALG-2) is a Ca²⁺-binding protein with five repetitive EF-hand motifs, named penta-EF-hand (PEF) domain. It interacts with various target proteins and functions as a Ca²⁺-dependent adaptor in diverse cellular activities. In the cytoplasm, ALG-2 is predominantly localized to a specialized region of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), called the ER exit site (ERES), through its interaction with Sec31A. Sec31A is an outer coat protein of coat protein complex II (COPII) and is recruited from the cytosol to the ERES to form COPII-coated transport vesicles. I will overview current knowledge of the physiological significance of ALG-2 in regulating ERES localization of Sec31A and the following adaptor functions of ALG-2, including bridging Sec31A and annexin A11 to stabilize Sec31A at the ERES, polymerizing the Trk-fused gene (TFG) product, and linking MAPK1-interacting and spindle stabilizing (MISS)-like (MISSL) and microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP1B) to promote anterograde transport from the ER.

A microtubule-associated protein MAP1B binds to and regulates localization of a calcium-binding protein ALG-2

MAP1B (microtubule-associated protein 1B) binds to microtubules and regulates microtubule dynamics. Previously, we showed calcium-dependent interaction between MAP1B and a calcium-binding protein ALG-2 (apoptosis-linked gene 2), which is involved in regulation of the protein secretion pathway. Although ALG-2 generally binds to proteins through two consensus binding motifs such as ABM-1 and ABM-2, the absence of these motifs in MAP1B suggests a unique binding mode between MAP1B and ALG-2. Here, we identified the region of mouse MAP1B responsible for binding to ALG-2, and found point mutations that abrogated binding of MAP1B to ALG-2. Furthermore, interaction between MAP1B and ALG-2 selectively prevented ALG-2 from binding to proteins with ABM-2 such as Sec31A, suggesting competition between MAP1B and ABM-2-containing proteins for binding to ALG-2. Consistently, in MAP1B knockout cells, co-localization of ALG-2 with Sec31A was increased. Moreover, overexpression of wild-type MAP1B, but not the MAP1B mutant defective in ALG-2 binding, altered localizations of ALG-2 and Sec31A into dispersed distributions, suggesting that MAP1B regulates localizations of ALG-2 and Sec31A in the cells. Finally, we found two cancer-associated mutations of human MAP1B located near ALG-2 binding sites. The introduction of the corresponding mutations in mouse MAP1B dramatically reduced the binding ability to ALG-2. Thus, these results suggest that MAP1B plays a role in regulation of ALG-2 and Sec31A localizations, and that dysregulation of calcium-dependent binding of ALG-2 to MAP1B might influence pathological conditions such as cancers.

The calcium-binding protein ALG-2 regulates protein secretion and trafficking via interactions with MISSL and MAP1B proteins

Mobilization of intracellular calcium is essential for a wide range of cellular processes, including signal transduction, apoptosis, and vesicular trafficking. Several lines of evidence have suggested that apoptosis-linked gene 2 (ALG-2, also known as PDCD6), a calcium-binding protein, acts as a calcium sensor linking calcium levels with efficient vesicular trafficking, especially at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-to-Golgi transport step. However, how ALG-2 regulates these processes remains largely unclear. Here, we report that MAPK1-interacting and spindle-stabilizing (MISS)-like (MISSL), a previously uncharacterized protein, interacts with ALG-2 in a calcium-dependent manner. Live-cell imaging revealed that upon a rise in intracellular calcium levels, GFP-tagged MISSL (GFP-MISSL) dynamically relocalizes in a punctate pattern and colocalizes with ALG-2. MISSL knockdown caused disorganization of the components of the ER exit site, the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment, and Golgi. Importantly, knockdown of either MISSL or ALG-2 attenuated the secretion of secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP), a model secreted cargo protein, with similar reductions in secretion by single- and double-protein knockdowns, suggesting that MISSL and ALG-2 act in the same pathway to regulate the secretion process. Furthermore, ALG-2 or MISSL knockdown delayed ER-to-Golgi transport of procollagen type I. We also found that ALG-2 and MISSL interact with microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP1B) and that MAP1B knockdown reverts the reduced secretion of SEAP caused by MISSL or ALG-2 depletion. These results suggest that a change in the intracellular calcium level plays a role in regulation of the secretory pathway via interaction of ALG-2 with MISSL and MAP1B.

The calcium-binding protein ALG-2 promotes endoplasmic reticulum exit site localization and polymerization of Trk-fused gene (TFG) protein

Apoptosis-linked gene 2 (ALG-2), which is a gene product of PDCD6, is a 22-kDa Ca2+ -binding protein. Accumulating evidence points to a role for ALG-2 as a Ca2+ -responsive adaptor protein. On binding to Ca2+ , ALG-2 undergoes a conformational change that facilitates its interaction with various proteins. It also forms a homodimer and heterodimer with peflin, a paralog of ALG-2. However, the differences in cellular roles for the ALG-2 homodimer and ALG-2/peflin heterodimer are unclear. In the present study, we found that Trk-fused gene (TFG) protein interacted with the ALG-2 homodimer. Immunostaining analysis revealed that TFG and ALG-2 partially overlapped at endoplasmic reticulum exit sites (ERES), a platform for COPII-mediated protein transport from the endoplasmic reticulum. Time-lapse live-cell imaging demonstrated that both green fluorescent protein-fused TFG and mCherry-fused ALG-2 are recruited to ERES after thapsigargin treatment, which raises intracellular Ca2+ levels. Furthermore, overexpression of ALG-2 induced the accumulation of TFG at ERES. TFG has an ALG-2-binding motif and deletion of the motif decreased TFG binding to ALG-2 and shortened its half-life at ERES, suggesting a critical role for ALG-2 in retaining TFG at ERES. We also demonstrated, by in vitro cross-linking assays, that ALG-2 promoted the polymerization of TFG in a Ca2+ -dependent manner. Collectively, the results suggest that ALG-2 acts as a Ca2+ -sensitive adaptor to concentrate and polymerize TFG at ERES, supporting a potential role for ALG-2 in COPII-dependent trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum.

Multifaceted Roles of ALG-2 in Ca(2+)-Regulated Membrane Trafficking

ALG-2 (gene name: PDCD6) is a penta-EF-hand Ca²⁺-binding protein and interacts with a variety of proteins in a Ca²⁺-dependent fashion. ALG-2 recognizes different types of identified motifs in Pro-rich regions by using different hydrophobic pockets, but other unknown modes of binding are also used for non-Pro-rich proteins. Most ALG-2-interacting proteins associate directly or indirectly with the plasma membrane or organelle membranes involving the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) system, coat protein complex II (COPII)-dependent ER-to-Golgi vesicular transport, and signal transduction from membrane receptors to downstream players. Binding of ALG-2 to targets may induce conformational change of the proteins. The ALG-2 dimer may also function as a Ca²⁺-dependent adaptor to bridge different partners and connect the subnetwork of interacting proteins.

Structural analysis of the complex between penta-EF-hand ALG-2 protein and Sec31A peptide reveals a novel target recognition mechanism of ALG-2

ALG-2, a 22-kDa penta-EF-hand protein, is involved in cell death, signal transduction, membrane trafficking, etc., by interacting with various proteins in mammalian cells in a Ca2+-dependent manner. Most known ALG-2-interacting proteins contain proline-rich regions in which either PPYPXnYP (type 1 motif) or PXPGF (type 2 motif) is commonly found. Previous X-ray crystal structural analysis of the complex between ALG-2 and an ALIX peptide revealed that the peptide binds to the two hydrophobic pockets. In the present study, we resolved the crystal structure of the complex between ALG-2 and a peptide of Sec31A (outer shell component of coat complex II, COPII; containing the type 2 motif) and found that the peptide binds to the third hydrophobic pocket (Pocket 3). While amino acid substitution of Phe85, a Pocket 3 residue, with Ala abrogated the interaction with Sec31A, it did not affect the interaction with ALIX. On the other hand, amino acid substitution of Tyr180, a Pocket 1 residue, with Ala caused loss of binding to ALIX, but maintained binding to Sec31A. We conclude that ALG-2 recognizes two types of motifs at different hydrophobic surfaces. Furthermore, based on the results of serial mutational analysis of the ALG-2-binding sites in Sec31A, the type 2 motif was newly defined.

A new role for annexin A11 in the early secretory pathway via stabilizing Sec31A protein at the endoplasmic reticulum exit sites (ERES)

Exit of cargo molecules from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for transport to the Golgi is the initial step in intracellular vesicular trafficking. The coat protein complex II (COPII) machinery is recruited to specialized regions of the ER, called ER exit sites (ERES), where it plays a central role in the early secretory pathway. It has been known for more than two decades that calcium is an essential factor in vesicle trafficking from the ER to Golgi apparatus. However, the role of calcium in the early secretory pathway is complicated and poorly understood. We and others previously identified Sec31A, an outer cage component of COPII, as an interacting protein for the penta-EF-hand calcium-binding protein ALG-2. In this study, we show that another calcium-binding protein, annexin A11 (AnxA11), physically associates with Sec31A by the adaptor function of ALG-2. Depletion of AnxA11 or ALG-2 decreases the population of Sec31A that is stably associated with the ERES and causes scattering of juxtanuclear ERES to the cell periphery. The synchronous ER-to-Golgi transport of transmembrane cargoes is accelerated in AnxA11- or ALG-2-knockdown cells. These findings suggest that AnxA11 maintains architectural and functional features of the ERES by coordinating with ALG-2 to stabilize Sec31A at the ERES.

Proteomic analysis of proton beam irradiated human melanoma cells

Proton beam irradiation is a form of advanced radiotherapy providing superior distributions of a low LET radiation dose relative to that of photon therapy for the treatment of cancer. Even though this clinical treatment has been developing for several decades, the proton radiobiology critical to the optimization of proton radiotherapy is far from being understood. Proteomic changes were analyzed in human melanoma cells treated with a sublethal dose (3 Gy) of proton beam irradiation. The results were compared with untreated cells. Two-dimensional electrophoresis was performed with mass spectrometry to identify the proteins. At the dose of 3 Gy a minimal slowdown in proliferation rate was seen, as well as some DNA damage. After allowing time for damage repair, the proteomic analysis was performed. In total 17 protein levels were found to significantly (more than 1.5 times) change: 4 downregulated and 13 upregulated. Functionally, they represent four categories: (i) DNA repair and RNA regulation (VCP, MVP, STRAP, FAB-2, Lamine A/C, GAPDH), (ii) cell survival and stress response (STRAP, MCM7, Annexin 7, MVP, Caprin-1, PDCD6, VCP, HSP70), (iii) cell metabolism (TIM, GAPDH, VCP), and (iv) cytoskeleton and motility (Moesin, Actinin 4, FAB-2, Vimentin, Annexin 7, Lamine A/C, Lamine B). A substantial decrease (2.3 x) was seen in the level of vimentin, a marker of epithelial to mesenchymal transition and the metastatic properties of melanoma.

Nuclear ALG-2 protein interacts with Ca2+ homeostasis endoplasmic reticulum protein (CHERP) Ca2+-dependently and participates in regulation of alternative splicing of inositol trisphosphate receptor type 1 (IP3R1) pre-mRNA

The intracellular Ca(2+) signaling pathway is important for the control of broad cellular processes from fertilization to cell death. ALG-2 is a Ca(2+)-binding protein that contains five serially repeated EF-hand motifs and interacts with various proteins in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. Although ALG-2 is present both in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus, little is known about its nuclear function. Ca(2+) homeostasis endoplasmic reticulum protein (CHERP) was first identified as an endoplasmic reticulum protein that regulates intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization in human cells, but recent proteomics data suggest an association between CHERP and spliceosomes. Here, we report that CHERP, containing a Pro-rich region and a phosphorylated Ser/Arg-rich RS-like domain, is a novel Ca(2+)-dependent ALG-2-interactive target in the nucleus. Immunofluorescence microscopic analysis revealed localization of CHERP to the nucleoplasm with prominent accumulation at nuclear speckles, which are the sites of storage and modification for pre-mRNA splicing factors. Live cell time-lapse imaging showed that nuclear ALG-2 was recruited to the CHERP-localizing speckles upon Ca(2+) mobilization. Results of co-immunoprecipitation assays revealed binding of CHERP to a phosphorylated form of RNA polymerase II. Knockdown of CHERP or ALG-2 in HT1080 cells resulted in generation of alternatively spliced isoforms of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor 1 (IP3R1) pre-mRNA that included exons 41 and 42 in addition to the major isoform lacking exons 40-42. Furthermore, binding between CHERP and IP3R1 RNA was detected by an RNA immunoprecipitation assay using a polyclonal antibody against CHERP. These results indicate that CHERP and ALG-2 participate in regulation of alternative splicing of IP3R1 pre-mRNA and provide new insights into post-transcriptional regulation of splicing variants in Ca(2+) signaling pathways.

VPS37 isoforms differentially modulate the ternary complex formation of ALIX, ALG-2, and ESCRT-I

The endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) system comprises a series of protein complexes that play essential roles in multivesicular body (MVB) sorting of ubiquitylated membrane proteins, enveloped RNA virus budding, and cytokinesis in mammalian cells. The complex, named ESCRT-I, consists of four subunits (TSG101, VPS28, VPS37, and MVB12). There are four VPS37 isoforms. We have reported that ALIX (an ALG-2-interacting protein and accessory protein in the ESCRT system) is physically linked with TSG101 by ALG-2 in a Ca²⁺-dependent manner, but the role of ALG-2 as an adaptor protein for the ESCRT-I complex remains unknown. To characterize this adaptor function, initially we investigated the binding of ALG-2 to ESCRT-I complexes containing each one of the four different VPS37 isoforms by two approaches: first, Far-Western blot analysis with biotin-labeled ALG-2 probe, and second, a pulldown assay to determine the binding of the four recombinant ESCRT-I complexes to Strep-tagged ALG-2 after co-expression in HEK293T cells. VPS37B and VPS37C appeared to interact with ALG-2 in a stronger manner than TSG101 does. The results of in vitro binding assays using purified recombinant proteins indicated that ALG-2 functions as a Ca²⁺-dependent adaptor protein that bridges ALIX and ESCRT-I to form a ternary complex, ESCRT-I/ALIX/ALG-2.

Mammalian ESCRT-III-related protein IST1 has a distinctive met-pro repeat sequence that is essential for interaction with ALG-2 in the presence of Ca2+

ALG-2 is an EF-hand-type Ca(2+)-binding protein that interacts with a variety of intracellular proteins that possess Pro-rich regions (PRRs) in mammalian cells. IST1 is an endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT)-III-related charged multivesicular body protein (CHMP)-like protein, but unlike other ESCRT-III proteins, mammalian IST1 has a PRR and a distinctive sequence of Met-Pro repeats. We found that ALG-2 binds to IST1 by Far-Western analysis using biotinylated ALG-2 as probe, and that the Met-Pro repeat sequence is essential for interaction. The results of pulldown assays using Strep-tagged ALG-2 and lysates of cells expressing GFP-fused IST1 proteins indicated that the binding of ALG-2 to IST1 is Ca(2+)-dependent, and that it is enhanced by co-expression with CHMP1 proteins. Moreover, pulldown assays using various mutants of GST-ALG-2 revealed that the ability of IST1 to bind to mutants is different from those of known ALG-2-interacting proteins, suggesting that IST1 binds to ALG-2 by a different mode of recognition.

Prediction of a new ligand-binding site for type 2 motif based on the crystal structure of ALG-2 by dry and wet approaches

ALG-2 is a penta-EF-hand Ca²⁺-binding protein and interacts with a variety of intracellular proteins. Two types of ALG-2-binding motifs have been determined: type 1, PXYPXnYP (X, variable; n = 4), in ALIX and PLSCR3; type 2, PXPGF, in Sec31A and PLSCR3. The previously solved X-ray crystal structure of the complex between ALG-2 and an ALIX peptide containing type 1 motif showed that the peptide binds to Pocket 1 and Pocket 2. Co-crystallization of ALG-2 and type 2 motif-containing peptides has not been successful. To gain insights into the molecular basis of type 2 motif recognition, we searched for a new hydrophobic cavity by computational algorithms using MetaPocket 2.0 based on 3D structures of ALG-2. The predicted hydrophobic pocket designated Pocket 3 fits with N-acetyl-ProAlaProGlyPhe-amide, a virtual penta-peptide derived from one of the two types of ALG-2-binding sites in PLSCR3 (type 2 motif), using the molecular docking software AutoDock Vina. We investigated effects of amino acid substitutions of the predicted binding sites on binding abilities by pulldown assays using glutathione-S-transferase -fused ALG-2 of wild-type and mutant proteins and lysates of cells expressing green fluorescent protein -fused PLSCR3 of wild-type and mutants. Substitution of either L52 with Ala or F148 with Ser of ALG-2 caused loss of binding abilities to PLSCR3 lacking type 1 motif but retained those to PLSCR3 lacking type 2 motif, strongly supporting the hypothesis that Pocket 3 is the binding site for type 2 motif.