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de Grip WJ, Ganapathy S. Rhodopsins: An Excitingly Versatile Protein Species for Research, Development and Creative Engineering. Front Chem 2022; 10:879609. [PMID: 35815212 PMCID: PMC9257189 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.879609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The first member and eponym of the rhodopsin family was identified in the 1930s as the visual pigment of the rod photoreceptor cell in the animal retina. It was found to be a membrane protein, owing its photosensitivity to the presence of a covalently bound chromophoric group. This group, derived from vitamin A, was appropriately dubbed retinal. In the 1970s a microbial counterpart of this species was discovered in an archaeon, being a membrane protein also harbouring retinal as a chromophore, and named bacteriorhodopsin. Since their discovery a photogenic panorama unfolded, where up to date new members and subspecies with a variety of light-driven functionality have been added to this family. The animal branch, meanwhile categorized as type-2 rhodopsins, turned out to form a large subclass in the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors and are essential to multiple elements of light-dependent animal sensory physiology. The microbial branch, the type-1 rhodopsins, largely function as light-driven ion pumps or channels, but also contain sensory-active and enzyme-sustaining subspecies. In this review we will follow the development of this exciting membrane protein panorama in a representative number of highlights and will present a prospect of their extraordinary future potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem J. de Grip
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Department of Biophysical Organic Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Srividya Ganapathy
- Department of Imaging Physics, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands
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2
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Paul S, Dinesh Kumar SM, Syamala SS, Balakrishnan S, Vijayan V, Arumugaswami V, Sudhakar S. Identification, tissue specific expression analysis and functional characterization of arrestin gene (ARRDC) in the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae: a molecular hypothesis behind worm photoreception. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:4225-4236. [PMID: 35211863 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07256-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The arrestin domain containing proteins (ARRDCs) are crucial adaptor proteins assist in signal transduction and regulation of sensory physiology. The molecular localization of the ARRDC gene has been confined mainly to the mammalian system while in invertebrates the expression pattern was not addressed significantly. The present study reports the identification, tissue specific expression and functional characterization of an ARRDC transcript in earthworm, Eudrilus eugeniae. METHODS AND RESULTS The coding region of earthworm ARRDC transcript was 1146 bp in length and encoded a protein of 381 amino acid residues. The worm ARRDC protein consists of conserved N-terminal and C-terminal regions and showed significant homology with the ARRDC3 sequence of other species. The tissue specific expression analysis through whole mount in-situ hybridization denoted the expression of ARRDC transcript in the central nervous system of the worm which includes cerebral ganglion and ventral nerve cord. Besides, the expression of ARRDC gene was observed in the epidermal region of earthworm skin. The functional characterization of ARRDC gene was assessed through siRNA silencing and the gene was found to play key role in the light sensing ability and photophobic movement of the worm. CONCLUSIONS The neuronal and dermal expression patterns of ARRDC gene and its functional characterization hypothesized the role of the gene in assisting the photosensory cells to regulate the process of photoreception and phototransduction in the worm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayan Paul
- Department of Biotechnology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, 627012, India
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, 560065, India
| | - Sudalai Mani Dinesh Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, 627012, India
| | - Sandhya Soman Syamala
- Department of Biotechnology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, 627012, India
| | | | - Vijithkumar Vijayan
- Department of Biotechnology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, 627012, India
| | | | - Sivasubramaniam Sudhakar
- Department of Biotechnology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, 627012, India.
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3
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Lubisch M, Moyzio S, Kaiser CS, Krafeld I, Leusder D, Scholz M, Hoepfner L, Hippler M, Liebau E, Kahl J. Using Caenorhabditis elegans to produce functional secretory proteins of parasitic nematodes. Acta Trop 2022; 225:106176. [PMID: 34627755 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106176] [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: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The expression of antigens in their immunologically-active form remains a challenge, both in the analysis of regulatory pathways exploited by parasitic nematodes or in the development of vaccines. Despite the success of native proteins to induce protective immunity, recombinant proteins expressed in bacteria, yeast or insect cells offer only limited protective capacities, presumably due to incorrect folding or missing complex posttranslational modifications. The present study investigates the feasibility of using the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as an alternative expression system for proteins found in the secretome of parasitic nematodes. Exemplified by the expression of the extracellular superoxide dismutase from Haemonchus contortus (HcSODe) and the extracellular and glycosylated glutathione S-transferase from the filarial parasite Onchocerca volvulus (OvGST1), we continue our efforts to improve production and purification of recombinant proteins expressed in C. elegans. We demonstrate that sufficient quantities of functional proteins can be expressed in C. elegans for subsequent immunological and biochemical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Lubisch
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Sven Moyzio
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Charlotte Sophia Kaiser
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Isabel Krafeld
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Dustin Leusder
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Scholz
- Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Lara Hoepfner
- Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Hippler
- Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Eva Liebau
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany.
| | - Janina Kahl
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
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4
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Wang D, Stoveken HM, Zucca S, Dao M, Orlandi C, Song C, Masuho I, Johnston C, Opperman KJ, Giles AC, Gill MS, Lundquist EA, Grill B, Martemyanov KA. Genetic behavioral screen identifies an orphan anti-opioid system. Science 2019; 365:1267-1273. [PMID: 31416932 DOI: 10.1126/science.aau2078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Opioids target the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) to produce unrivaled pain management, but their addictive properties can lead to severe abuse. We developed a whole-animal behavioral platform for unbiased discovery of genes influencing opioid responsiveness. Using forward genetics in Caenorhabditis elegans, we identified a conserved orphan receptor, GPR139, with anti-opioid activity. GPR139 is coexpressed with MOR in opioid-sensitive brain circuits, binds to MOR, and inhibits signaling to heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins). Deletion of GPR139 in mice enhanced opioid-induced inhibition of neuronal firing to modulate morphine-induced analgesia, reward, and withdrawal. Thus, GPR139 could be a useful target for increasing opioid safety. These results also demonstrate the potential of C. elegans as a scalable platform for genetic discovery of G protein-coupled receptor signaling principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Hannah M Stoveken
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Stefano Zucca
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Maria Dao
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Cesare Orlandi
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Chenghui Song
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Ikuo Masuho
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Caitlin Johnston
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Karla J Opperman
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Andrew C Giles
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Matthew S Gill
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Erik A Lundquist
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Brock Grill
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
| | - Kirill A Martemyanov
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
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5
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Gong J, Yuan Y, Ward A, Kang L, Zhang B, Wu Z, Peng J, Feng Z, Liu J, Xu XZS. The C. elegans Taste Receptor Homolog LITE-1 Is a Photoreceptor. Cell 2016; 167:1252-1263.e10. [PMID: 27863243 PMCID: PMC5388352 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2016.10.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2015] [Revised: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Many animal tissues/cells are photosensitive, yet only two types of photoreceptors (i.e., opsins and cryptochromes) have been discovered in metazoans. The question arises as to whether unknown types of photoreceptors exist in the animal kingdom. LITE-1, a seven-transmembrane gustatory receptor (GR) homolog, mediates UV-light-induced avoidance behavior in C. elegans. However, it is not known whether LITE-1 functions as a chemoreceptor or photoreceptor. Here, we show that LITE-1 directly absorbs both UVA and UVB light with an extinction coefficient 10-100 times that of opsins and cryptochromes, indicating that LITE-1 is highly efficient in capturing photons. Unlike typical photoreceptors employing a prosthetic chromophore to capture photons, LITE-1 strictly depends on its protein conformation for photon absorption. We have further identified two tryptophan residues critical for LITE-1 function. Interestingly, unlike GPCRs, LITE-1 adopts a reversed membrane topology. Thus, LITE-1, a taste receptor homolog, represents a distinct type of photoreceptor in the animal kingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianke Gong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of MOE, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China; Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yiyuan Yuan
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Alex Ward
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Lijun Kang
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Bi Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of MOE, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China; Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Zhiping Wu
- Departments of Structural Biology and Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Junmin Peng
- Departments of Structural Biology and Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Zhaoyang Feng
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Jianfeng Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of MOE, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China.
| | - X Z Shawn Xu
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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6
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Prömel S, Fiedler F, Binder C, Winkler J, Schöneberg T, Thor D. Deciphering and modulating G protein signalling in C. elegans using the DREADD technology. Sci Rep 2016; 6:28901. [PMID: 27461895 PMCID: PMC4962097 DOI: 10.1038/srep28901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
G-protein signalling is an evolutionary conserved concept highlighting its fundamental impact on developmental and functional processes. Studies on the effects of G protein signals on tissues as well as an entire organism are often conducted in Caenorhabditis elegans. To understand and control dynamics and kinetics of the processes involved, pharmacological modulation of specific G protein pathways would be advantageous, but is difficult due to a lack in accessibility and regulation. To provide this option, we designed G protein-coupled receptor-based designer receptors (DREADDs) for C. elegans. Initially described in mammalian systems, these modified muscarinic acetylcholine receptors are activated by the inert drug clozapine-N-oxide, but not by their endogenous agonists. We report a novel C. elegans-specific DREADD, functionally expressed and specifically activating Gq-protein signalling in vitro and in vivo which we used for modulating mating behaviour. Therefore, this novel designer receptor demonstrates the possibility to pharmacologically control physiological functions in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Prömel
- Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Franziska Fiedler
- Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Claudia Binder
- Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jana Winkler
- Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Torsten Schöneberg
- Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Doreen Thor
- Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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7
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Yuan Y, Hakimi P, Kao C, Kao A, Liu R, Janocha A, Boyd-Tressler A, Hang X, Alhoraibi H, Slater E, Xia K, Cao P, Shue Q, Ching TT, Hsu AL, Erzurum SC, Dubyak GR, Berger NA, Hanson RW, Feng Z. Reciprocal Changes in Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase and Pyruvate Kinase with Age Are a Determinant of Aging in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:1307-19. [PMID: 26631730 PMCID: PMC4714217 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.691766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging involves progressive loss of cellular function and integrity, presumably caused by accumulated stochastic damage to cells. Alterations in energy metabolism contribute to aging, but how energy metabolism changes with age, how these changes affect aging, and whether they can be modified to modulate aging remain unclear. In locomotory muscle of post-fertile Caenorhabditis elegans, we identified a progressive decrease in cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK-C), a longevity-associated metabolic enzyme, and a reciprocal increase in glycolytic pyruvate kinase (PK) that were necessary and sufficient to limit lifespan. Decline in PEPCK-C with age also led to loss of cellular function and integrity including muscle activity, and cellular senescence. Genetic and pharmacologic interventions of PEPCK-C, muscle activity, and AMPK signaling demonstrate that declines in PEPCK-C and muscle function with age interacted to limit reproductive life and lifespan via disrupted energy homeostasis. Quantifications of metabolic flux show that reciprocal changes in PEPCK-C and PK with age shunted energy metabolism toward glycolysis, reducing mitochondrial bioenergetics. Last, calorie restriction countered changes in PEPCK-C and PK with age to elicit anti-aging effects via TOR inhibition. Thus, a programmed metabolic event involving PEPCK-C and PK is a determinant of aging that can be modified to modulate aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Clara Kao
- From the Departments of Pharmacology
| | | | - Ruifu Liu
- From the Departments of Pharmacology
| | - Allison Janocha
- the Department of Pathobiology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| | | | - Xi Hang
- From the Departments of Pharmacology, the School of Pharmacy, Suzhou Health College, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215009, China, and
| | | | | | - Kevin Xia
- From the Departments of Pharmacology
| | | | | | - Tsui-Ting Ching
- the Departments of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, and
| | - Ao-Lin Hsu
- the Departments of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, and Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Serpil C Erzurum
- the Department of Pathobiology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| | - George R Dubyak
- From the Departments of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, and
| | - Nathan A Berger
- Departments of Biochemistry and Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
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8
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Milić D, Veprintsev DB. Large-scale production and protein engineering of G protein-coupled receptors for structural studies. Front Pharmacol 2015; 6:66. [PMID: 25873898 PMCID: PMC4379943 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Structural studies of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) gave insights into molecular mechanisms of their action and contributed significantly to molecular pharmacology. This is primarily due to technical advances in protein engineering, production and crystallization of these important receptor targets. On the other hand, NMR spectroscopy of GPCRs, which can provide information about their dynamics, still remains challenging due to difficulties in preparation of isotopically labeled receptors and their low long-term stabilities. In this review, we discuss methods used for expression and purification of GPCRs for crystallographic and NMR studies. We also summarize protein engineering methods that played a crucial role in obtaining GPCR crystal structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalibor Milić
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen Switzerland
| | - Dmitry B Veprintsev
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen Switzerland ; Department of Biology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Zürich Switzerland
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9
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Abstract
Rhodopsin is a key light-sensitive protein expressed exclusively in rod photoreceptor cells of the retina. Failure to express this transmembrane protein causes a lack of rod outer segment formation and progressive retinal degeneration, including the loss of cone photoreceptor cells. Molecular studies of rhodopsin have paved the way to understanding a large family of cell-surface membrane proteins called G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Work started on rhodopsin over 100 years ago still continues today with substantial progress made every year. These activities underscore the importance of rhodopsin as a prototypical GPCR and receptor required for visual perception-the fundamental process of translating light energy into a biochemical cascade of events culminating in vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Hofmann
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
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10
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Isotopic labeling of mammalian G protein-coupled receptors heterologously expressed in Caenorhabditis elegans. Anal Biochem 2014; 472:30-6. [PMID: 25461480 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2014.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
High-resolution structural determination and dynamic characterization of membrane proteins by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) require their isotopic labeling. Although a number of labeled eukaryotic membrane proteins have been successfully expressed in bacteria, they lack post-translational modifications and usually need to be refolded from inclusion bodies. This shortcoming of bacterial expression systems is particularly detrimental for the functional expression of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the largest family of drug targets, due to their inherent instability. In this work, we show that proteins expressed by a eukaryotic organism can be isotopically labeled and produced with a quality and quantity suitable for NMR characterization. Using our previously described expression system in Caenorhabditis elegans, we showed the feasibility of labeling proteins produced by these worms with (15)N,(13)C by providing them with isotopically labeled bacteria. (2)H labeling also was achieved by growing C. elegans in the presence of 70% heavy water. Bovine rhodopsin, simultaneously expressed in muscular and neuronal worm tissues, was employed as the "test" GPCR to demonstrate the viability of this approach. Although the worms' cell cycle was slightly affected by the presence of heavy isotopes, the final protein yield and quality was appropriate for NMR structural characterization.
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11
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Chen Y, Jastrzebska B, Cao P, Zhang J, Wang B, Sun W, Yuan Y, Feng Z, Palczewski K. Inherent instability of the retinitis pigmentosa P23H mutant opsin. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:9288-303. [PMID: 24515108 PMCID: PMC3979360 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.551713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Revised: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The P23H opsin mutation is the most common cause of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. Even though the pathobiology of the resulting retinal degeneration has been characterized in several animal models, its complex molecular mechanism is not well understood. Here, we expressed P23H bovine rod opsin in the nervous system of Caenorhabditis elegans. Expression was low due to enhanced protein degradation. The mutant opsin was glycosylated, but the polysaccharide size differed from that of the normal protein. Although P23H opsin aggregated in the nervous system of C. elegans, the pharmacological chaperone 9-cis-retinal stabilized it during biogenesis, producing a variant of rhodopsin called P23H isorhodopsin. In vitro, P23H isorhodopsin folded correctly, formed the appropriate disulfide bond, could be photoactivated but with reduced sensitivity, and underwent Meta II decay at a rate similar to wild type isorhodopsin. In worm neurons, P23H isorhodopsin initiated phototransduction by coupling with the endogenous Gi/o signaling cascade that induced loss of locomotion. Using pharmacological interventions affecting protein synthesis and degradation, we showed that the chromophore could be incorporated either during or after mutant protein translation. However, regeneration of P23H isorhodopsin with chromophore was significantly slower than that of wild type isorhodopsin. This effect, combined with the inherent instability of P23H rhodopsin, could lead to the structural cellular changes and photoreceptor death found in autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. These results also suggest that slow regeneration of P23H rhodopsin could prevent endogenous chromophore-mediated stabilization of rhodopsin in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Benlian Wang
- Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-4965 and
| | - Wenyu Sun
- Polgenix Inc., Cleveland, Ohio 44106
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12
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Large scale expression and purification of mouse melanopsin-L in the baculovirus expression system. Protein Expr Purif 2013; 91:134-46. [PMID: 23921072 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2013.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Revised: 07/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Melanopsin is the mammalian photopigment that primarily mediates non-visual photoregulated physiology. So far, this photopigment is poorly characterized with respect to structure and function. Here, we report large-scale production and purification of the intact long isoform of mouse melanopsin (melanopsin-L) using the baculovirus/insect cell expression system. Exploiting the baculoviral GP67 signal peptide, we obtained expression levels that varied between 10-30pmol/10(6)cells, equivalent to 2-5mg/L. This could be further enhanced using DMSO as a chemical chaperone. LC-MS analysis confirmed that full-length melanopsin-L was expressed and demonstrated that the majority of the expressed protein was N-glycosylated at Asn(30) and Asn(34). Other posttranslational modifications were not yet detected. Purification was achieved exploiting a C-terminal deca-histag, realizing a purification factor of several hundred-fold. The final recovery of purified melanopsin-L averaged 2.5% of the starting material. This was mainly due to low extraction yields, probably since most of the protein was present as the apoprotein. The spectral data we obtained agree with an absorbance maximum in the 460-500nm wavelength region and a significant red-shift upon illumination. This is the first report on expression and purification of full length melanopsin-L at a scale that can easily be further amplified.
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13
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Palczewski K, Orban T. From atomic structures to neuronal functions of g protein-coupled receptors. Annu Rev Neurosci 2013; 36:139-64. [PMID: 23682660 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-062012-170313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are essential mediators of signal transduction, neurotransmission, ion channel regulation, and other cellular events. GPCRs are activated by diverse stimuli, including light, enzymatic processing of their N-termini, and binding of proteins, peptides, or small molecules such as neurotransmitters. GPCR dysfunction caused by receptor mutations and environmental challenges contributes to many neurological diseases. Moreover, modern genetic technology has helped identify a rich array of mono- and multigenic defects in humans and animal models that connect such receptor dysfunction with disease affecting neuronal function. The visual system is especially suited to investigate GPCR structure and function because advanced imaging techniques permit structural studies of photoreceptor neurons at both macro and molecular levels that, together with biochemical and physiological assessment in animal models, provide a more complete understanding of GPCR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Palczewski
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-4965, USA.
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14
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Abstract
Constituting the largest group of membrane proteins identified in the human genome, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) help control many physiological processes by responding to various stimuli. As targets for more than 40% of all prescribed pharmaceuticals, detailed understanding of GPCR structures is vital for the design and development of more specific medications and improved patient therapies. But structural information for membrane proteins and GPCRs, in particular, is limited despite considerable interest. The major impediment to obtaining sufficient quantities of highly purified GPCRs in their native form for crystallization lies in their low tissue levels, poor yields, and stability. The only exception is rhodopsin, which is abundantly expressed in the eye and stabilized by its covalently bound chromophore, 11-cis-retinal. Expression systems and purification protocols have yet to be developed for all other GPCRs. Here, we present a novel expression system for human GPCRs in Caenorhabditis elegans that produces sufficient amounts of recombinant proteins to allow their biochemical and structural characterization.
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Lluis MW, Godfroy JI, Yin H. Protein engineering methods applied to membrane protein targets. Protein Eng Des Sel 2012; 26:91-100. [DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzs079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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16
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Cao P, Sun W, Kramp K, Zheng M, Salom D, Jastrzebska B, Jin H, Palczewski K, Feng Z. Light-sensitive coupling of rhodopsin and melanopsin to G(i/o) and G(q) signal transduction in Caenorhabditis elegans. FASEB J 2011; 26:480-91. [PMID: 22090313 DOI: 10.1096/fj.11-197798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Activation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) initiates signal transduction cascades that affect many physiological responses. The worm Caenorhabditis elegans expresses >1000 of these receptors along with their cognate heterotrimeric G proteins. Here, we report properties of 9-cis-retinal regenerated bovine opsin [(b)isoRho] and human melanopsin [(h)Mo], two light-activated, heterologously expressed GPCRs in the nervous system of C. elegans with various genetically engineered alterations. Profound transient photoactivation of G(i/o) signaling by (b)isoRho led to a sudden and transient loss of worm motility dependent on cyclic adenosine monophosphate, whereas transient photoactivation of G(q) signaling by (h)Mo enhanced worm locomotion dependent on phospholipase Cβ. These transgenic C. elegans models provide a unique way to study the consequences of G(i/o) and G(q) signaling in vivo with temporal and spatial precision and, by analogy, their relationship to human neuromotor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengxiu Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-4965, USA
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