Nef of HIV-1 interacts directly with calcium-bound calmodulin

Role of myristoylation in modulating PCaP1 interaction with calmodulin

Plasma membrane-associated Cation-binding Protein 1 (PCaP1) belongs to the plant-unique DREPP protein family with largely unknown biological functions but ascertained roles in plant development and calcium (Ca2+) signaling. PCaP1 is anchored to the plasma membrane via N-myristoylation and a polybasic cluster, and its N-terminal region can bind Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM). However, the molecular determinants of PCaP1-Ca2+-CaM interaction and the functional impact of myristoylation in the complex formation and Ca2+ sensitivity of CaM remained to be elucidated. Herein, we investigated the direct interaction between Arabidopsis PCaP1 (AtPCaP1) and CaM1 (AtCaM1) using both myristoylated and non-myristoylated peptides corresponding to the N-terminal region of AtPCaP1. ITC analysis showed that AtCaM1 forms a high affinity 1:1 complex with AtPCaP1 peptides and the interaction is strictly Ca2+-dependent. Spectroscopic and kinetic Ca2+ binding studies showed that the myristoylated peptide dramatically increased the Ca2+-binding affinity of AtCaM1 and slowed the Ca2+ dissociation rates from both the C- and N-lobes, thus suggesting that the myristoylation modulates the mechanism of AtPCaP1 recognition by AtCaM1. Furthermore, NMR and CD spectroscopy revealed that the structure of both the N- and C-lobes of Ca2+-AtCaM1 changes markedly in the presence of the myristoylated AtPCaP1 peptide, which assumes a helical structure in the final complex. Overall, our results indicate that AtPCaP1 biological function is strictly related to the presence of multiple ligands, i.e., the myristoyl moiety, Ca2+ ions and AtCaM1 and only a full characterization of their equilibria will allow for a complete molecular understanding of the putative role of PCaP1 as signal protein.

Dantrolene hinders dengue virus-induced upregulation and translocation of calmodulin to cardiac cell nuclei

Dengue virus (DENV) infection elevates intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i), but it is unknown whether Ca²⁺ and calmodulin (CaM) are involved in DENV infection. We conducted immunofluorescence and western blot experiments and measured [Ca²⁺]_i examining the effects of DENV infection and drugs that alter Ca²⁺/CaM functions on CaM translocation, DENV2 infection, protein expression, virus-inducible STAT2 protein abundance, and CREB phosphorylation in H9c2 cells. DENV infection increased CaM expression, its nuclear translocation and NS3 and E viral proteins expression and colocalization in a manner that could be blocked by the ryanodine receptor antagonist dantrolene. DENV infection also increased CREB phosphorylation, an effect inhibited by either dantrolene or the CaM inhibitor W7. Dantrolene substantially hindered infection as assessed by focus assays in Vero cells. These results suggest that Ca²⁺ and CaM play an important role in DENV infection of cardiac cells and that dantrolene may protect against severe DENV cardiac morbidity.

A Non-Canonical Calmodulin Target Motif Comprising a Polybasic Region and Lipidated Terminal Residue Regulates Localization

Calmodulin (CaM) is a Ca²⁺-sensor that regulates a wide variety of target proteins, many of which interact through short basic helical motifs bearing two hydrophobic ‘anchor’ residues. CaM comprises two globular lobes, each containing a pair of EF-hand Ca²⁺-binding motifs that form a Ca²⁺-induced hydrophobic pocket that binds an anchor residue. A central flexible linker allows CaM to accommodate diverse targets. Several reported CaM interactors lack these anchors but contain Lys/Arg-rich polybasic sequences adjacent to a lipidated N- or C-terminus. Ca²⁺-CaM binds the myristoylated N-terminus of CAP23/NAP22 with intimate interactions between the lipid and a surface comprised of the hydrophobic pockets of both lobes, while the basic residues make electrostatic interactions with the negatively charged surface of CaM. Ca²⁺-CaM binds farnesylcysteine, derived from the farnesylated polybasic C-terminus of KRAS4b, with the lipid inserted into the C-terminal lobe hydrophobic pocket. CaM sequestration of the KRAS4b farnesyl moiety disrupts KRAS4b membrane association and downstream signaling. Phosphorylation of basic regions of N-/C-terminal lipidated CaM targets can reduce affinity for both CaM and the membrane. Since both N-terminal myristoylated and C-terminal prenylated proteins use a Singly Lipidated Polybasic Terminus (SLIPT) for CaM binding, we propose these polybasic lipopeptide elements comprise a non-canonical CaM-binding motif.

Calmodulin disrupts plasma membrane localization of farnesylated KRAS4b by sequestering its lipid moiety

KRAS4b is a small guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) protein that regulates several signal transduction pathways that underlie cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. KRAS4b function requires prenylation of its C terminus and recruitment to the plasma membrane, where KRAS4b activates effector proteins including the RAF family of kinases. The Ca²⁺-sensing protein calmodulin (CaM) has been suggested to regulate the localization of KRAS4b through direct, Ca²⁺-dependent interaction, but how CaM and KRAS4b functionally interact is controversial. Here, we determined a crystal structure, which was supported by solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), that revealed the sequestration of the prenyl moiety of KRAS4b in the hydrophobic pocket of the C-terminal lobe of Ca²⁺-bound CaM. Our engineered fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensor probes (CaMeRAS) showed that, upon stimulation of Ca²⁺ influx by extracellular ligands, KRAS4b reversibly translocated in a Ca²⁺-CaM-dependent manner from the plasma membrane to the cytoplasm in live HeLa and HEK293 cells. These results reveal a mechanism underlying the inhibition of KRAS4b activity by Ca²⁺ signaling pathways.

Differential Contribution of HIV-1 Subtypes B and C to Neurological Disorders: Mechanisms and Possible Treatments

With the introduction of combinatory antiretroviral therapy, patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) can live much longer than before. However, the identification of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), especially HIV-associated dementia in 15-20% of patients infected with HIV-1, indicates additional complexity. These disorders turn out to be subtype dependent. Recently, many studies are ongoing trying to understand how the virus induces neuronal injury which could lead to neurological dysfunction. Most of these studies are focusing on the HIV-1 release of proteins such as Tat. However, the exact role of these proteins and their involvement in neuronal degeneration remains unidentified; this is especially true since viral proteins from different HIV-1 subtypes differ in their ability to cause neuronal damage. This review describes the role of different HIV-1 subtypes, identifies probable pathways involved in neuronal damage, the contribution of different HIV-1 subtypes to the progression of HAND, and potential treatments for HAND.

Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling of Geminivirus C4 Protein Mediated by Phosphorylation and Myristoylation Is Critical for Viral Pathogenicity

Many geminivirus C4 proteins induce severe developmental abnormalities in plants. We previously demonstrated that Tomato leaf curl Yunnan virus (TLCYnV) C4 induces plant developmental abnormalities at least partically by decreasing the accumulation of NbSKη, an ortholog of Arabidopsis BIN2 kinase involved in the brassinosteroid signaling pathway, in the nucleus through directing it to the plasma membrane. However, the molecular mechanism by which the membrane-associated C4 modifies the localization of NbSKη in the host cell remains unclear. Here, we show that TLCYnV C4 is a nucleocytoplasmic shuttle protein, and that C4 shuttling is accompanied by nuclear export of NbSKη. TLCYnV C4 is phosphorylated by NbSKη in the nucleus, which promotes myristoylation of the viral protein. Myristoylation of phosphorylated C4 favors its interaction with exportin-α (XPO I), which in turn facilitates nuclear export of the C4/NbSKη complex. Supporting this model, chemical inhibition of N-myristoyltransferases or exportin-α enhanced nuclear retention of C4, and mutations of the putative phosphorylation or myristoylation sites in C4 resulted in increased nuclear retention of C4 and thus decreased severity of C4-induced developmental abnormalities. The impact of C4 on development is also lessened when a nuclear localization signal or a nuclear export signal is added to its C-terminus, restricting it to a specific cellular niche and therefore impairing nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. Taken together, our results suggest that nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of TLCYnV C4, enabled by phosphorylation by NbSKη, myristoylation, and interaction with exportin-α, is critical for its function as a pathogenicity factor.

The calmodulin antagonist W-7 (N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide hydrochloride) inhibits DENV infection in Huh-7 cells

Dengue virus (DENV) replicative cycle occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum where calcium ions play an important role in cell signaling. Calmodulin (CaM) is the primary sensor of intracellular Ca²⁺ levels in eukaryotic cells. In this paper, the effect of the calmodulin antagonist W-7 in DENV infection in Huh-7 cells was evaluated. W7 inhibited viral yield, NS1 secretion and viral RNA and protein synthesis. Moreover, luciferase activity, encoded by a DENV replicon, was also reduced. A decrease in the replicative complexes formation was clearly observed in W7 treated cells. Docking simulations suggest 2 possible mechanisms of action for W7: the direct inhibition of NS2B-NS3 activity and/or inhibition of the interaction between NS2A with Ca²⁺-CaM complex. This last possibility was supported by the in vitro interaction observed between recombinant NS2A and CaM. These results indicate that Ca²⁺-CaM plays an important role in DENV replication.

The transcriptomics of an experimentally evolved plant-virus interaction

Models of plant-virus interaction assume that the ability of a virus to infect a host genotype depends on the matching between virulence and resistance genes. Recently, we evolved tobacco etch potyvirus (TEV) lineages on different ecotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana, and found that some ecotypes selected for specialist viruses whereas others selected for generalists. Here we sought to evaluate the transcriptomic basis of such relationships. We have characterized the transcriptomic responses of five ecotypes infected with the ancestral and evolved viruses. Genes and functional categories differentially expressed by plants infected with local TEV isolates were identified, showing heterogeneous responses among ecotypes, although significant parallelism existed among lineages evolved in the same ecotype. Although genes involved in immune responses were altered upon infection, other functional groups were also pervasively over-represented, suggesting that plant resistance genes were not the only drivers of viral adaptation. Finally, the transcriptomic consequences of infection with the generalist and specialist lineages were compared. Whilst the generalist induced very similar perturbations in the transcriptomes of the different ecotypes, the perturbations induced by the specialist were divergent. Plant defense mechanisms were activated when the infecting virus was specialist but they were down-regulated when infecting with generalist.

Identification of the Calmodulin-Binding Domains of Fas Death Receptor

The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated by binding of a Fas ligand to the ectodomain of the surface death receptor Fas protein. Subsequently, the intracellular death domain of Fas (FasDD) and that of the Fas-associated protein (FADD) interact to form the core of the death-inducing signaling complex (DISC), a crucial step for activation of caspases that induce cell death. Previous studies have shown that calmodulin (CaM) is recruited into the DISC in cholangiocarcinoma cells and specifically interacts with FasDD to regulate the apoptotic/survival signaling pathway. Inhibition of CaM activity in DISC stimulates apoptosis significantly. We have recently shown that CaM forms a ternary complex with FasDD (2:1 CaM:FasDD). However, the molecular mechanism by which CaM binds to two distinct FasDD motifs is not fully understood. Here, we employed mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), biophysical, and biochemical methods to identify the binding regions of FasDD and provide a molecular basis for the role of CaM in Fas-mediated apoptosis. Proteolytic digestion and mass spectrometry data revealed that peptides spanning residues 209-239 (Fas-Pep1) and 251-288 (Fas-Pep2) constitute the two CaM-binding regions of FasDD. To determine the molecular mechanism of interaction, we have characterized the binding of recombinant/synthetic Fas-Pep1 and Fas-Pep2 peptides with CaM. Our data show that both peptides engage the N- and C-terminal lobes of CaM simultaneously. Binding of Fas-Pep1 to CaM is entropically driven while that of Fas-Pep2 to CaM is enthalpically driven, indicating that a combination of electrostatic and hydrophobic forces contribute to the stabilization of the FasDD-CaM complex. Our data suggest that because Fas-Pep1 and Fas-Pep2 are involved in extensive intermolecular contacts with the death domain of FADD, binding of CaM to these regions may hinder its ability to bind to FADD, thus greatly inhibiting the initiation of apoptotic signaling pathway.

Probing conformational and functional substates of calmodulin by high pressure FTIR spectroscopy: influence of Ca2+ binding and the hypervariable region of K-Ras4B

Using pressure perturbation, conformational substates of CaM could be uncovered that conceivably facilitate target recognition by exposing the required binding surfaces.

Structural and Biophysical Characterization of the Interactions between Calmodulin and the Pleckstrin Homology Domain of Akt

The translocation of Akt, a serine/threonine kinase, to the plasma membrane is a critical step in the Akt activation pathway. It is established that membrane binding of Akt is mediated by direct interactions between its pleckstrin homology domain (PHD) and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PI(3,4,5)P3). There is now evidence that Akt activation in many breast cancer cells is also modulated by the calcium-binding protein, calmodulin (CaM). Upon EGF stimulation of breast cancer cells, CaM co-localizes with Akt at the plasma membrane to enhance activation. However, the molecular details of Akt(PHD) interaction with CaM are not known. In this study, we employed NMR, biochemical, and biophysical techniques to characterize CaM binding to Akt(PHD). Our data show that CaM forms a tight complex with the PHD of Akt (dissociation constant = 100 nm). The interaction between CaM and Akt(PHD) is enthalpically driven, and the affinity is greatly dependent on salt concentration, indicating that electrostatic interactions are important for binding. The CaM-binding interface in Akt(PHD) was mapped to two loops adjacent to the PI(3,4,5)P3 binding site, which represents a rare CaM-binding motif and suggests a synergistic relationship between CaM and PI(3,4,5)P3 upon Akt activation. Elucidation of the mechanism by which Akt interacts with CaM will help in understanding the activation mechanism, which may provide insights for new potential targets to control the pathophysiological processes of cell survival.

Calmodulin and PI(3,4,5)P₃ cooperatively bind to the Itk pleckstrin homology domain to promote efficient calcium signaling and IL-17A production

Precise regulation of the kinetics and magnitude of Ca(2+) signaling enables this signal to mediate diverse responses, such as cell migration, differentiation, vesicular trafficking, and cell death. We showed that the Ca(2+)-binding protein calmodulin (CaM) acted in a positive feedback loop to potentiate Ca(2+) signaling downstream of the Tec kinase family member Itk. Using NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), we mapped CaM binding to two loops adjacent to the lipid-binding pocket within the Itk pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. The Itk PH domain bound synergistically to Ca(2+)/CaM and the lipid phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate [PI(3,4,5)P3], such that binding to Ca(2+)/CaM enhanced the binding to PI(3,4,5)P3 and vice versa. Disruption of CaM binding attenuated Itk recruitment to the membrane and diminished release of Ca(2+) from the endoplasmic reticulum. Moreover, disruption of this feedback loop abrogated Itk-dependent production of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-17A (interleukin-17A) by CD4(+) T cells. Additionally, we found that CaM associated with PH domains from other proteins, indicating that CaM may regulate other PH domain-containing proteins.

Solution structure of calmodulin bound to the binding domain of the HIV-1 matrix protein

Subcellular distribution of calmodulin (CaM) in human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1)-infected cells is distinct from that observed in uninfected cells. CaM co-localizes and interacts with the HIV-1 Gag protein in the cytosol of infected cells. Although it has been shown that binding of Gag to CaM is mediated by the matrix (MA) domain, the structural details of this interaction are not known. We have recently shown that binding of CaM to MA induces a conformational change that triggers myristate exposure, and that the CaM-binding domain of MA is confined to a region spanning residues 8-43 (MA-(8-43)). Here, we present the NMR structure of CaM bound to MA-(8-43). Our data revealed that MA-(8-43), which contains a novel CaM-binding motif, binds to CaM in an antiparallel mode with the N-terminal helix (α1) anchored to the CaM C-terminal lobe, and the C-terminal helix (α2) of MA-(8-43) bound to the N-terminal lobe of CaM. The CaM protein preserves a semiextended conformation. Binding of MA-(8-43) to CaM is mediated by numerous hydrophobic interactions and stabilized by favorable electrostatic contacts. Our structural data are consistent with the findings that CaM induces unfolding of the MA protein to have access to helices α1 and α2. It is noteworthy that several MA residues involved in CaM binding have been previously implicated in membrane binding, envelope incorporation, and particle production. The present findings may ultimately help in identification of the functional role of CaM in HIV-1 replication.

Role of the HIV-1 Matrix Protein in Gag Intracellular Trafficking and Targeting to the Plasma Membrane for Virus Assembly

Human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) encodes a polypeptide called Gag that is able to form virus-like particles in vitro in the absence of any cellular or viral constituents. During the late phase of the HIV-1 infection, Gag polyproteins are transported to the plasma membrane (PM) for assembly. In the past two decades, in vivo, in vitro, and structural studies have shown that Gag trafficking and targeting to the PM are orchestrated events that are dependent on multiple factors including cellular proteins and specific membrane lipids. The matrix (MA) domain of Gag has been the focus of these studies as it appears to be engaged in multiple intracellular interactions that are suggested to be critical for virus assembly and replication. The interaction between Gag and the PM is perhaps the most understood. It is now established that the ultimate localization of Gag on punctate sites on the PM is mediated by specific interactions between the MA domain of Gag and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P(2)], a minor lipid localized on the inner leaflet of the PM. Structure-based studies revealed that binding of PI(4,5)P(2) to MA induces minor conformational changes, leading to exposure of the myristyl (myr) group. Exposure of the myr group is also triggered by binding of calmodulin, enhanced by factors that promote protein self-association like the capsid domain of Gag, and is modulated by pH. Despite the steady progress in defining both the viral and cellular determinants of retroviral assembly and release, Gag's intracellular interactions and trafficking to its assembly sites in the infected cell are poorly understood. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the structural and functional role of MA in HIV replication.

NMR, biophysical, and biochemical studies reveal the minimal Calmodulin binding domain of the HIV-1 matrix protein

Subcellular distribution of Calmodulin (CaM) in human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1)-infected cells is distinct from that observed in uninfected cells. CaM has been shown to interact and co-localize with the HIV-1 Gag protein in infected cells. However, the precise molecular mechanism of this interaction is not known. Binding of Gag to CaM is dependent on calcium and is mediated by the N-terminal-myristoylated matrix (myr(+)MA) domain. We have recently shown that CaM binding induces a conformational change in the MA protein, triggering exposure of the myristate group. To unravel the molecular mechanism of CaM-MA interaction and to identify the minimal CaM binding domain of MA, we devised multiple approaches utilizing NMR, biochemical, and biophysical methods. Short peptides derived from the MA protein have been examined. Our data revealed that whereas peptides spanning residues 11-28 (MA-(11-28)) and 31-46 (MA-(31-46)) appear to bind preferentially to the C-terminal lobe of CaM, a peptide comprising residues 11-46 (MA-(11-46)) appears to engage both domains of CaM. Limited proteolysis data conducted on the MA-CaM complex yielded a MA peptide (residues 8-43) that is protected by CaM and resistant to proteolysis. MA-(8-43) binds to CaM with a very high affinity (dissociation constant = 25 nm) and in a manner that is similar to that observed for the full-length MA protein. The present findings provide new insights on how MA interacts with CaM that may ultimately help in identification of the functional role of CaM-Gag interactions in the HIV replication cycle.

Binding of calmodulin to the HIV-1 matrix protein triggers myristate exposure

Steady progress has been made in defining both the viral and cellular determinants of retroviral assembly and release. Although it is widely accepted that targeting of the Gag polypeptide to the plasma membrane is critical for proper assembly of HIV-1, the intracellular interactions and trafficking of Gag to its assembly sites in the infected cell are poorly understood. HIV-1 Gag was shown to interact and co-localize with calmodulin (CaM), a ubiquitous and highly conserved Ca(2+)-binding protein expressed in all eukaryotic cells, and is implicated in a variety of cellular functions. Binding of HIV-1 Gag to CaM is dependent on calcium and is mediated by the N-terminally myristoylated matrix (myr(+)MA) domain. Herein, we demonstrate that CaM binds to myr(+)MA with a dissociation constant (K(d)) of ∼2 μm and 1:1 stoichiometry. Strikingly, our data revealed that CaM binding to MA induces the extrusion of the myr group. However, in contrast to all known examples of CaM-binding myristoylated proteins, our data show that the myr group is exposed to solvent and not involved in CaM binding. The interactions between CaM and myr(+)MA are endothermic and entropically driven, suggesting that hydrophobic contacts are critical for binding. As revealed by NMR data, both CaM and MA appear to engage substantial regions and/or undergo significant conformational changes upon binding. We believe that our findings will provide new insights on how Gag may interact with CaM during the HIV replication cycle.

Fuzzy complexes of myelin basic protein: NMR spectroscopic investigations of a polymorphic organizational linker of the central nervous system

The classic 18.5 kDa isoform of myelin basic protein (MBP) is central to maintaining the structural homeostasis of the myelin sheath of the central nervous system. It is an intrinsically disordered, promiscuous, multifunctional, peripheral membrane protein, whose conformation adapts to its particular environment. Its study requires the selective and complementary application of diverse approaches, of which solution and solid-state NMR spectroscopy are the most powerful to elucidate site-specific features. We review here several recent solution and solid-state NMR spectroscopic studies of 18.5 kDa MBP, and the induced partial disorder-to-order transitions that it has been demonstrated to undergo when complexed with calmodulin, actin, and phospholipid membranes.

HIV and SIV induce alterations in CNS CaMKII expression and activation: a potential mechanism for cognitive impairment

The molecular mechanisms underlying learning and memory impairment in patients with HIV-associated neurological disease have remained unclear. Calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) has key roles in synaptic potentiation and memory storage in neurons and also may have immunomodulatory functions. To determine whether HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) induce alterations in CaMKII expression and/or activation (autophosphorylation) in the brain, we measured CaMKII alterations by quantitative immunoblotting in both an in vitro HIV/neuronal culture model and in vivo in an SIV-infected macaque model of HIV-associated neurological damage. Using primary rat hippocampal neuronal cultures treated with culture supernatants harvested from HIV-1-infected human monocyte-derived macrophages (HIV/MDM), we found that CaMKII activation declined after exposure of neurons to HIV/MDM. Consistent with our in vitro measurements, a significant decrease in CaMKII activation was present in both the hippocampus and frontal cortex of SIV-infected macaques compared with uninfected animals. In SIV-infected animals, total CaMKII expression in the hippocampus correlated well with levels of synaptophysin. Furthermore, CaMKII expression in both the hippocampus and frontal cortex was inversely correlated with viral load in the brain. These findings suggest that alterations in CaMKII may compromise synaptic function in the early phases of chronic neurodegenerative processes induced by HIV.

Calcium-dependent association of calmodulin with the rubella virus nonstructural protease domain

The rubella virus (RUBV) nonstructural (NS) protease domain, a Ca(2+)- and Zn(2+)-binding papain-like cysteine protease domain within the nonstructural replicase polyprotein precursor, is responsible for the self-cleavage of the precursor into two mature products, P150 and P90, that compose the replication complex that mediates viral RNA replication; the NS protease resides at the C terminus of P150. Here we report the Ca(2+)-dependent, stoichiometric association of calmodulin (CaM) with the RUBV NS protease. Co-immunoprecipitation and pulldown assays coupled with site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that both the P150 protein and a 110-residue minidomain within NS protease interacted directly with Ca(2+)/CaM. The specific interaction was mapped to a putative CaM-binding domain. A 32-mer peptide (residues 1152-1183, denoted as RUBpep) containing the putative CaM-binding domain was used to investigate the association of RUBV NS protease with CaM or its N- and C-terminal subdomains. We found that RUBpep bound to Ca(2+)/CaM with a dissociation constant of 100-300 nm. The C-terminal subdomain of CaM preferentially bound to RUBpep with an affinity 12.5-fold stronger than the N-terminal subdomain. Fluorescence, circular dichroism and NMR spectroscopic studies revealed a "wrapping around" mode of interaction between RUBpep and Ca(2+)/CaM with substantially more helical structure in RUBpep and a global structural change in CaM upon complex formation. Using a site-directed mutagenesis approach, we further demonstrated that association of CaM with the CaM-binding domain in the RUBV NS protease was necessary for NS protease activity and infectivity.

Exogenous Nef is an inhibitor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha production and macrophage apoptosis

Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) impairs tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-mediated macrophage apoptosis induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). HIV Nef protein plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AIDS. We have tested the hypothesis that exogenous Nef is a factor that inhibits TNF-alpha production/apoptosis in macrophages infected with Mtb. We demonstrate that Mtb and Nef individually trigger TNF-alpha production in macrophages. However, TNF-alpha production is dampened when the two are present simultaneously, probably through cross-regulation of the individual signaling pathways leading to activation of the TNF-alpha promoter. Mtb-induced TNF-alpha production is abrogated upon mutation of the Ets, Egr, Sp1, CRE, or AP1 binding sites on the TNF-alpha promoter, whereas Nef-mediated promoter activation depends only on the CRE and AP1 binding sites, pointing to differences in the mechanisms of activation of the promoter. Mtb-dependent promoter activation depends on the mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) kinase kinase ASK1 and on MEK/ERK signaling. Nef inhibits ASK1/p38 MAPK-dependent Mtb-induced TNF-alpha production probably by inhibiting binding of ATF2 to the TNF-alpha promoter. It also inhibits MEK/ERK-dependent Mtb-induced binding of FosB to the promoter. Nef-driven TNF-alpha production occurs in an ASK1-independent, Rac1/PAK1/p38 MAPK-dependent, and MEK/ERK-independent manner. The signaling pathways used by Mtb and Nef to trigger TNF-alpha production are therefore distinctly different. In addition to attenuating Mtb-dependent TNF-alpha promoter activation, Nef also reduces Mtb-dependent TNF-alpha mRNA stability probably through its ability to inhibit ASK1/p38 MAPK signaling. These results provide new insight into how HIV Nef probably exacerbates tuberculosis infection by virtue of its ability to dampen Mtb-induced TNF-alpha production.

N-myristoylated proteins, key components in intracellular signal transduction systems enabling rapid and flexible cell responses

N-myristoylation, one of the co- or post-translational modifications of proteins, has so far been regarded as necessary for anchoring of proteins to membranes. Recently, we have revealed that N(alpha)-myristoylation of several brain proteins unambiguously regulates certain protein-protein interactions that may affect signaling pathways in brain. Comparison of the amino acid sequences of myristoylated proteins including those in other organs suggests that this regulation is involved in signaling pathways not only in brain but also in other organs. Thus, it has been shown that myristoylated proteins in cells regulate the signal transduction between membranes and cytoplasmic fractions. An algorithm we have developed to identify myristoylated proteins in cells predicts the presence of hundreds of myristoylated proteins. Interestingly, a large portion of the myristoylated proteins thought to take part in signal transduction between membranes and cytoplasmic fractions are included in the predicted myristoylated proteins. If the proteins functionally regulated by myristoylation, a posttranslational protein modification, were understood as cross-talk points within the intracellular signal transduction system, known signaling pathways could thus be linked to each other, and a novel map of this intracellular network could be constructed. On the basis of our recent results, this review will highlight the multifunctional aspects of protein N-myristoylation in brain.

Myristoylation of the small envelope protein of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus is non-essential for virus infectivity but promotes its growth

The small envelope (E) protein of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is known to possess the properties of an ion-channel protein, and in the present study we show that the PRRSV E protein is N-terminal myristoylated. The PRRSV E protein contains the consensus motif of ₁MGxxxS₆ for myristoylation, and in the presence of 2-hydroxymyristic acid, the virus titer decreased by 2.5 log TCID₅₀ and the level of viral RNA was reduced significantly. When the glycine at position 2 was mutated to alanine (G2A) using an infectious cDNA clone, a viable virus was recoverable and a mutant PRRSV was obtained. The titers of G2A mutant virus were 2.0 × 10⁴ and 1.0 × 10⁶ TCID₅₀/ml for ‘passage-2’ and ‘passage-3’ viruses, respectively, in PAM cells, and these titers were significantly lower than those of wild-type PRRSV. When treated with the myristoylation inhibitor, the G2A mutant virus was resistant to the drug. The data show that the PRRSV E protein myristoylation is non-essential for PRRSV infectivity but promotes the growth of the virus.

Viral calciomics: interplays between Ca2+ and virus

Ca²⁺ is one of the most universal and versatile signaling molecules and is involved in almost every aspect of cellular processes. Viruses are adept at utilizing the universal Ca²⁺ signal to create a tailored cellular environment that meets their own demands. This review summarizes most of the known mechanisms by which viruses perturb Ca²⁺ homeostasis and utilize Ca²⁺ and cellular Ca²⁺-binding proteins to their benefit in their replication cycles. Ca²⁺ plays important roles in virion structure formation, virus entry, viral gene expression, posttranslational processing of viral proteins and virion maturation and release. As part of the review, we introduce an algorithm to identify linear “EF-hand” Ca²⁺-binding motifs which resulted in the prediction of a total of 93 previously unrecognized Ca²⁺-binding motifs in virus proteins. Many of these proteins are nonstructural proteins, a class of proteins among which Ca²⁺ interactions had not been formerly appreciated. The presence of linear Ca²⁺-binding motifs in viral proteins enlarges the spectrum of Ca²⁺–virus interplay and expands the total scenario of viral calciomics.

HIV-1-infected astrocytes and the microglial proteome

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) invades the central nervous system early after viral exposure but causes progressive cognitive, behavior, and motor impairments years later with the onset of immune deficiency. Although in the brain, HIV preferentially replicates productively in cells of mononuclear phagocyte (MP; blood borne macrophage and microglia), astrocytes also can be infected, at low and variable frequency, particularly in patients with encephalitis. Among their many functions, astrocytes network with microglia to provide the first line of defense against microbial infection; however, very little is known about astrocytes' consequences on MP. Here, we addressed this question using co-culture systems of HIV-infected mouse astrocytes and microglia. Pseudotyped vesicular stomatis virus/HIV was used to circumvent the absence of viral receptors and ensure cell genotypic uniformity for studies of intercellular communication. The study demonstrated that infected astrocytes show modest changes in protein elements compared to uninfected cells. In contrast, infected astrocytes induce robust changes in the proteome of HIV-1-infected microglia. Accelerated cell death and redox proteins, among others, were produced in abundance. The observations confirmed the potential of astrocytes to influence the neuropathogenesis of HIV-1 infection by specifically altering the neurotoxic potential of infected microglia and regulating viral maturation.

Backbone dynamics of the 18.5 kDa isoform of myelin basic protein reveals transient alpha-helices and a calmodulin-binding site

The 18.5 kDa isoform of myelin basic protein (MBP) is the predominant form in adult human central nervous system myelin. It is an intrinsically disordered protein that functions both in membrane adhesion, and as a linker connecting the oligodendrocyte membrane to the underlying cytoskeleton; its specific interactions with calmodulin and SH3-domain containing proteins suggest further multifunctionality in signaling. Here, we have used multidimensional heteronuclear nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to study the conformational dependence on environment of the protein in aqueous solution (100 mM KCl) and in a membrane-mimetic solvent (30% TFE-d(2)), particularly to analyze its secondary structure using chemical shift indexing, and to investigate its backbone dynamics using (15)N spin relaxation measurements. Collectively, the data revealed three major segments of the protein with a propensity toward alpha-helicity that was stabilized by membrane-mimetic conditions: T33-D46, V83-T92, and T142-L154 (murine 18.5 kDa sequence numbering). All of these regions corresponded with bioinformatics predictions of ordered secondary structure. The V83-T92 region comprises a primary immunodominant epitope that had previously been shown by site-directed spin labeling and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to be alpha-helical in membrane-reconstituted systems. The T142-L154 segment overlapped with a predicted calmodulin-binding site. Chemical shift perturbation experiments using labeled MBP and unlabeled calmodulin demonstrated a dramatic conformational change in MBP upon association of the two proteins, and were consistent with the C-terminal segment of MBP being the primary binding site for calmodulin.

Influence of calcium/calmodulin on budding of Ebola VLPs: implications for the involvement of the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway

The VP40 matrix protein of Ebola virus is able to bud from mammalian cells as a virus-like particle (VLP). Interactions between L-domain motifs of VP40 and host proteins such as Tsg101 and Nedd4 serve to facilitate budding of VP40 VLPs. Since intracellular levels of calcium are known to influence localization and function of host proteins involved in virus budding, we sought to determine, whether alterations of calcium or calmodulin levels in cells would affect budding of VP40 VLPs. VP40 VLP release was assessed in cells treated with BAPTA/AM, a calcium ion chelator, or with ionomycin, a calcium ionophore. In addition, VLP budding was assessed in cells treated with W7, W13, or TFP; all calmodulin antagonists. Results from these experiments indicated that: (i) budding of VP40 VLPs was reduced in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of BAPTA/AM, and slightly enhanced in the presence of ionomycin, (ii) VP40 VLP budding was reduced in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of W7, whereas VP40 VLP budding was unaffected in the presence of cyclosporine-A, (iii) budding of VSV-WT and a VSV recombinant (M40 virus) possessing the L-domains of Ebola VP40 was inhibited in the presence of W7, W13, or TFP, (iv) inhibition of virus budding by W7, W13, and TFP appears to be L-domain independent, and (v) the mechanism of calcium/calmodulin-mediated inhibition of Ebola VLP budding may involve the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway.

HIV-1 Nef upregulates CCL2/MCP-1 expression in astrocytes in a myristoylation- and calmodulin-dependent manner

HIV-associated dementia (HAD) correlates with infiltration of monocytes into the brain. The accessory HIV-1 negative factor (Nef) protein, which modulates several signaling pathways, is constitutively present in persistently infected astroctyes. We demonstrated that monocytes responded with chemotaxis when subjected to cell culture supernatants of nef-expressing astrocytic U251MG cells. Using a protein array, we identified CC chemokine ligand 2/monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (CCL2/MCP-1) as a potential chemotactic factor mediating this phenomenon. CCL2/MCP-1 upregulation by Nef was further confirmed by ribonuclease protection assay, RT-PCR and ELISA. By applying neutralizing antibodies against CCL2/MCP-1 and using CCR2-deficient monocytes, we confirmed CCL2/MCP-1 as the exclusive factor secreted by nef-expressing astrocytes capable of attracting monocytes. Additionally, we showed that Nef-induced CCL2/MCP-1 expression depends on the myristoylation moiety of Nef and requires functional calmodulin. In summary, we suggest that Nef-induced CCL2/MCP-1 expression in astrocytes contributes to infiltration of monocytes into the brain, and thereby to progression of HAD.

The PTI1-like kinase ZmPti1a from maize (Zea mays L.) co-localizes with callose at the plasma membrane of pollen and facilitates a competitive advantage to the male gametophyte

BACKGROUND

The tomato kinase Pto confers resistance to bacterial speck disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato in a gene for gene manner. Upon recognition of specific avirulence factors the Pto kinase activates multiple signal transduction pathways culminating in induction of pathogen defense. The soluble cytoplasmic serine/threonine kinase Pti1 is one target of Pto phosphorylation and is involved in the hypersensitive response (HR) reaction. However, a clear role of Pti1 in plant pathogen resistance is uncertain. So far, no Pti1 homologues from monocotyledonous species have been studied.

RESULTS

Here we report the identification and molecular analysis of four Pti1-like kinases from maize (ZmPti1a, -b, -c, -d). These kinase genes showed tissue-specific expression and their corresponding proteins were targeted to different cellular compartments. Sequence similarity, expression pattern and cellular localization of ZmPti1b suggested that this gene is a putative orthologue of Pti1 from tomato. In contrast, ZmPti1a was specifically expressed in pollen and sequestered to the plasma membrane, evidently owing to N-terminal modification by myristoylation and/or S-acylation. The ZmPti1a:GFP fusion protein was not evenly distributed at the pollen plasma membrane but accumulated as an annulus-like structure which co-localized with callose (1,3-beta-glucan) deposition. In addition, co-localization of ZmPti1a and callose was observed during stages of pollen mitosis I and pollen tube germination. Maize plants in which ZmPti1a expression was silenced by RNA interference (RNAi) produced pollen with decreased competitive ability. Hence, our data provide evidence that ZmPti1a plays an important part in a signalling pathway that accelerates pollen performance and male fitness.

CONCLUSION

ZmPti1a from maize is involved in pollen-specific processes during the progamic phase of reproduction, probably in crucial signalling processes associated with regions of callose deposition. Pollen-sporophyte interactions and pathogen induced HR show certain similarities. For example, HR has been shown to be associated with cell wall reinforcement through callose deposition. Hence, it is hypothesized that Pti1 kinases from maize act as general components in evolutionary conserved signalling processes associated with callose, however during different developmental programs and in different tissue types.

Tomato Pto encodes a functional N-myristoylation motif that is required for signal transduction in Nicotiana benthamiana

Pto kinase of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) confers resistance to bacterial speck disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato expressing avrPto or avrPtoB. Pto interacts directly with these type-III secreted effectors, leading to induction of defence responses including the hypersensitive response (HR). Signalling by Pto requires the nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) protein Prf. Little is known of how Pto is controlled prior to or during stimulation, although kinase activity is required for Avr-dependent activation. Here we demonstrate a role for the N-terminus in signalling by Pto. N-terminal residues outside the kinase domain were required for induction of the HR in Nicotiana benthamiana. The N-terminus also contributed to both AvrPto-binding and phosphorylation abilities. Pto residues 1-10 comprise a consensus motif for covalent attachment of myristate, a hydrophobic 14-carbon saturated fatty acid, to the Gly-2 residue. Several lines of evidence indicate that this motif is important for Pto function. A heterologous N-myristoylation motif complemented N-terminal deletion mutants of Pto for Prf-dependent signalling. Signalling by wild-type and mutant forms of Pto was strictly dependent on the Gly-2 residue. The N-myristoylation motif of Pto complemented the cognate motif of AvrPto for avirulence function and membrane association. Furthermore, Pto was myristoylated in vivo dependent on the presence of Gly-2. The subcellular localization of Pto was independent of N-myristoylation, indicating that N-myristoylation is required for some function other than membrane affinity. Consistent with this idea, AvrPtoB was also found to be a soluble protein. The data indicate an important role(s) for the myristoylated N-terminus in Pto signalling.

Point mutations in the C-terminus of HIV-1 gp160 reduce apoptosis and calmodulin binding without affecting viral replication

One hallmark of AIDS progression is a decline in CD4+ T lymphocytes, though the mechanism is poorly defined. There is ample evidence that increased apoptosis is responsible for some, if not all, of the decline. Prior studies have shown that binding of cellular calmodulin to the envelope glycoprotein (Env) of HIV-1 increases sensitivity to fas-mediated apoptosis and that calmodulin antagonists can block this effect. We show that individual mutation of five residues in the C-terminal calmodulin-binding domain of Env is sufficient to significantly reduce fas-mediated apoptosis in transfected cells. The A835W mutation in the cytoplasmic domain of gp41 eliminated co-immunoprecipitation of Env with calmodulin in studies with stably transfected cells. Four point mutations (A835W, A838W, A838I, and I842R) and the corresponding region of HIV-1 HXB2 were cloned into the HIV-1 proviral vector pNL4-3 with no significant effect on viral production or envelope expression, although co-immunoprecipitation of calmodulin and Env was decreased in three of these mutant viruses. Only wild-type envelope-containing virus induced significantly elevated levels of spontaneous apoptosis by day 5 post-infection. Fas-mediated apoptosis levels positively correlated with the degree of calmodulin co-immunoprecipitation, with the lowest apoptosis levels occurring in cells infected with the A835W envelope mutation. While spontaneous apoptosis appears to be at least partially calmodulin-independent, the effects of HIV-1 Env on fas-mediated apoptosis are directly related to calmodulin binding.

Reversible intracellular translocation of KRas but not HRas in hippocampal neurons regulated by Ca2+/calmodulin

The Ras/MAPK pathway regulates synaptic plasticity and cell survival in neurons of the central nervous system. Here, we show that KRas, but not HRas, acutely translocates from the plasma membrane (PM) to the Golgi complex and early/recycling endosomes in response to neuronal activity. Translocation is reversible and mediated by the polybasic-prenyl membrane targeting motif of KRas. We provide evidence that KRas translocation occurs through sequestration of the polybasic-prenyl motif by Ca²⁺/calmodulin (Ca²⁺/CaM) and subsequent release of KRas from the PM, in a process reminiscent of GDP dissociation inhibitor–mediated membrane recycling of Rab and Rho GTPases. KRas translocation was accompanied by partial intracellular redistribution of its activity. We conclude that the polybasic-prenyl motif acts as a Ca²⁺/CaM-regulated molecular switch that controls PM concentration of KRas and redistributes its activity to internal sites. Our data thus define a novel signaling mechanism that differentially regulates KRas and HRas localization and activity in neurons.

Myristoyl moiety of HIV Nef is involved in regulation of the interaction with calmodulin in vivo

Human immunodeficiency virus Nef is a myristoylated protein expressed early in infection by HIV. In addition to the well known down-regulation of the cell surface receptors CD4 and MHCI, Nef is able to alter T-cell signaling pathways. The ability to alter the cellular signaling pathways suggests that Nef can associate with signaling proteins. In the present report, we show that Nef can interact with calmodulin, the major intracellular receptor for calcium. Coimmunoprecipitation analyses with lysates from the NIH3T3 cell line constitutively expressing the native HIV-1 Nef protein revealed the presence of a stable Nef-calmodulin complex. When lysates from NIH3T3 cells were incubated with calmodulin-agarose beads in the presence of CaCl(2) or EGTA, calcium ion drastically enhanced the interaction between Nef and calmodulin, suggesting that the binding is under the influence of Ca(2+) signaling. Glutathione S-transferase-Nef fusion protein bound directly to calmodulin with high affinity. Using synthetic peptides based on the N-terminal sequence of Nef, we determined that within a 20-amino-acid N-terminal basic domain was sufficient for calmodulin binding. Furthermore, the myristoylated peptide bound to calmodulin with higher affinity than nonmyris-toylated form. Thus, the N-terminal myristoylation domain of Nef plays an important role in interacting with calmodulin. This domain is highly conserved in several HIV-1 Nef variants and resembles the N-terminal domain of NAP-22/CAP23, a myristoylated calmodulin-binder. These results for the interaction between HIV Nef and calmodulin in the cells suggested that the Nef might interfere with intracellular Ca(2+) signaling through calmodulin-mediated interactions in infected cells.

Morphine-promoted survival of CEMx174 cells in early stages of SIV infection in vitro: involvement of the multiple molecular mechanisms

Progression of HIV infections to AIDS is a complex process and it differs considerably among individuals infected with HIV, influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Opiates have been implicated to be a cofactor in HIV infections leading to AIDS. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in the effects of opioids on HIV infected immune cells. Cell cycle analysis was carried out by flow cytometry, the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK1 and ERK2 was detected by Western blotting assay, and changes of calcium concentration were monitored by scanning intracellular fluorescence intensity. In response to the treatment with morphine, SIV-infected cells were accumulated in G1 phase. Morphine increased the content of intracellular calcium in a time-dependent manner. In addition, morphine also elevated the levels of PKC activity and phosphorylated ERK1/2. Therefore, it is implicated that the calcium-PKC-MAPK cascade is involved in morphine-prolonged survival of SIV-infected cells in the early stages of virus infection.

Myristoylation-regulated Direct Interaction Between Calcium-bound Calmodulin and N-terminal Region of pp60v-src

pp60v-src tyrosine protein kinase was suggested to interact with Ca2+-bound calmodulin (Ca2+/CaM) through the N-terminal region based on its structural similarities to CAP-23/NAP-22, a myristoylated neuron-specific protein, whose myristoyl group is essential for interaction with Ca2+/CaM; (1) the N terminus of pp60v-src is myristoylated like CAP-23/NAP-22; (2) both lysine residues are required for the myristoylation-dependent interaction and serine residues that are thought to regulate the interaction through the phosphorylations located in the N-terminal region of pp60v-src. To verify this possibility, we investigated the direct interaction between pp60v-src and Ca2+/CaM using a myristoylated peptide corresponding to the N-terminal region of pp60v-src. The binding assay indicated that only the myristoylated peptide binds to Ca2+/CaM, and the non-myristoylated peptide is not able to bind to Ca2+/CaM. Analyses of the binding kinetics revealed two independent reactions with the dissociation constants (KD) of 2.07 x 10(-9)M (KD1) and 3.93 x 10(-6)M (KD2), respectively. Two serine residues near the myristoyl moiety of the peptide (Ser2, Ser11) were phosphorylated by protein kinase C in vitro, and the phosphorylation drastically reduced the interaction. NMR experiments indicated that two molecules of the myristoylated peptide were bound around the hydrophobic clefts of a Ca2+/CaM molecule. The small-angle X-ray scattering analyses showed that the size of the peptide-Ca2+/CaM complex is 2-3A smaller than that of the known Ca2+/CaM-target molecule complexes. These results demonstrate clearly the direct interaction between pp60v-src and Ca2+/CaM in a novel manner different from that of known Ca2+/CaM, the target molecules, interactions.

Crystal structure of a myristoylated CAP-23/NAP-22 N-terminal domain complexed with Ca2+/calmodulin

A variety of viral and signal transduction proteins are known to be myristoylated. Although the role of myristoylation in protein-lipid interaction is well established, the involvement of myristoylation in protein-protein interactions is less well understood. CAP-23/NAP-22 is a brain-specific protein kinase C substrate protein that is involved in axon regeneration. Although the protein lacks any canonical calmodulin (CaM)-binding domain, it binds CaM with high affinity. The binding of CAP-23/NAP-22 to CaM is myristoylation dependent and the N-terminal myristoyl group is directly involved in the protein-protein interaction. Here we show the crystal structure of Ca2+-CaM bound to a myristoylated peptide corresponding to the N-terminal domain of CAP-23/NAP-22. The myristoyl moiety of the peptide goes through a hydrophobic tunnel created by the hydrophobic pockets in the N- and C-terminal domains of CaM. In addition to the myristoyl group, several amino-acid residues in the peptide are important for CaM binding. This is a novel mode of binding and is very different from the mechanism of binding in other CaM-target complexes.

MYRbase: analysis of genome-wide glycine myristoylation enlarges the functional spectrum of eukaryotic myristoylated proteins

We evaluated the evolutionary conservation of glycine myristoylation within eukaryotic sequences. Our large-scale cross-genome analyses, available as MYRbase, show that the functional spectrum of myristoylated proteins is currently largely underestimated. We give experimental evidence for in vitro myristoylation of selected predictions. Furthermore, we classify five membrane-attachment factors that occur most frequently in combination with, or even replacing, myristoyl anchors, as some protein family examples show.

Signaling pathway involved in methionine enkephalin-promoted survival of lymphocytes infected by simian immunodeficiency virus in the early stage in vitro

Methionine enkephalin, the endogenous opioid peptide, has a diversity of effects on the immune system. Although the biological effects of the pentapeptide have been well documented, little is known about the intracellular events involved in the effects of opioids on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected immune cells. In the present investigation, the possible mechanism of apoptosis alleviated by exposure of methionine enkephalin at 1 micromol/l to CEM x 174 cells, the hybrid lymphocytes, infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in vitro is elucidated. Apoptosis and cell cycle analysis is carried out by flow cytometry, the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) ERK1 and ERK2 is detected by Western blotting assay, and changes of calcium concentration were analyzed using the calcium-sensitive dye Fluo-3 AM. The results exhibit that methionine enkephalin at the concentrations of 1 micromol/l increase remarkably the proportion of vital cells and decrease the apoptotic cells based on annexin V binding assay. In response to the treatment with methionine enkephalin, SIV-infected cells display a prolonged survival and are accumulated in G1 phase. Methionine enkephalin increase obviously the content of intracellular calcium in normal cells within 1-2 min and maintains a high level within monitoring time. However, the intracellular calcium reaches the highest level at 1 min and subsequently decline to background in SIV infected group. In addition, methionine enkephalin also elevates the levels of protein kinase C (PKC) activity and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. It is proposed that calcium-PKC-MAPK cascade is involved in methionine enkephalin-prolonged survival of SIV-infected cells in the early stages of virus infection. The results provide a further evidence for potential use of methionine enkephalin on the therapy of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Direct Involvement of Protein Myristoylation in Myristoylated Alanine-rich C Kinase Substrate (MARCKS)-Calmodulin Interaction

MARCKS, a major in vivo substrate of protein kinase C, interacts with plasma membranes in a phosphorylation-, myristoylation-, and calmodulin-dependent manner. Although we have previously observed that myristoylated and non-myristoylated MARCKS proteins behave differently during calmodulin-agarose chromatography, the role of protein myristoylation in the MARCKS-calmodulin interaction remained to be elucidated. Here we demonstrate that the myristoyl moiety together with the N-terminal protein domain is directly involved in the MARCKS-calmodulin interaction. Both myristoylated and non-myristoylated recombinant MARCKS bound to calmodulin-agarose at low ionic strengths, but only the former retained the affinity at high ionic strengths. A quantitative analysis obtained with dansyl (5-dimethylaminonaphthalene-1-sulfonyl)-calmodulin showed that myristoylated MARCKS has an affinity higher than the non-myristoylated protein. Furthermore, a synthetic peptide based on the N-terminal sequence was found to bind calmodulin only when it was myristoylated. Only the N-terminal peptide but not the canonical calmodulin-binding domain showed the ionic strength-independent calmodulin binding. A mutation study suggested that the importance of the positive charge in the N-terminal protein domain in the binding.