Phosphorylated full-length Tau interacts with 14-3-3 proteins via two short phosphorylated sequences, each occupying a binding groove of 14-3-3 dimer

Characterization of multiple binding sites on microtubule associated protein 2c recognized by dimeric and monomeric 14-3-3ζ

Microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2) interacts with the regulatory protein 14-3-3ζ in a cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) phosphorylation dependent manner. Using selective phosphorylation, calorimetry, nuclear magnetic resonance, chemical crosslinking, and X-ray crystallography, we characterized interactions of 14-3-3ζ with various binding regions of MAP2c. Although PKA phosphorylation increases the affinity of MAP2c for 14-3-3ζ in the proline rich region and C-terminal domain, unphosphorylated MAP2c also binds the dimeric 14-3-3ζ via its microtubule binding domain and variable central domain. Monomerization of 14-3-3ζ leads to the loss of affinity for the unphosphorylated residues. In neuroblastoma cell extract, MAP2c is heavily phosphorylated by PKA and the proline kinase ERK2. Although 14-3-3ζ dimer or monomer do not interact with the residues phosphorylated by ERK2, ERK2 phosphorylation of MAP2c in the C-terminal domain reduces the binding of MAP2c to both oligomeric variants of 14-3-3ζ.

A cerebrospinal fluid synaptic protein biomarker for prediction of cognitive resilience versus decline in Alzheimer's disease

Rates of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are extremely heterogeneous. Although biomarkers for amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau proteins, the hallmark AD pathologies, have improved pathology-based diagnosis, they explain only 20-40% of the variance in AD-related cognitive impairment (CI). To discover novel biomarkers of CI in AD, we performed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteomics on 3,397 individuals from six major prospective AD case-control cohorts. Synapse proteins emerged as the strongest correlates of CI, independent of Aβ and tau. Using machine learning, we derived the CSF YWHAG:NPTX2 synapse protein ratio, which explained 27% of the variance in CI beyond CSF pTau181:Aβ42, 11% beyond tau positron emission tomography, and 28% beyond CSF neurofilament, growth-associated protein 43 and neurogranin in Aβ+ and phosphorylated tau+ (A+T1+) individuals. CSF YWHAG:NPTX2 also increased with normal aging and 20 years before estimated symptom onset in carriers of autosomal dominant AD mutations. Regarding cognitive prognosis, CSF YWHAG:NPTX2 predicted conversion from A+T1+ cognitively normal to mild cognitive impairment (standard deviation increase hazard ratio = 3.0, P = 7.0 × 10-4) and A+T1+ mild cognitive impairment to dementia (standard deviation increase hazard ratio = 2.2, P = 8.2 × 10-16) over a 15-year follow-up, adjusting for CSF pTau181:Aβ42, CSF neurofilament, CSF neurogranin, CSF growth-associated protein 43, age, APOE4 and sex. We also developed a plasma proteomic signature of CI, which we evaluated in 13,401 samples, which partly recapitulated CSF YWHAG:NPTX2. Overall, our findings underscore CSF YWHAG:NPTX2 as a robust prognostic biomarker for cognitive resilience versus AD onset and progression, highlight the potential of plasma proteomics in replacing CSF measurement and further implicate synapse dysfunction as a core driver of AD dementia.

Site-specific molecular glues for the 14-3-3/Tau pS214 protein-protein interaction via reversible covalent imine tethering

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are key regulators of various cellular processes. Modulating PPIs with small molecules has gained increasing attention in drug discovery, particularly targeting the 14-3-3 protein family, which interacts with several hundred client proteins and plays a central role in cellular networks. However, targeting a specific PPI of the hub protein 14-3-3, with its plethora of potential client proteins, poses a significant selectivity challenge. This not only involves the selectivity of 14-3-3 PPIs with other client proteins, but also the selective stabilization of a specific 14-3-3 binding site within a protein partner featuring several binding sites. The interaction of 14-3-3 with Tau, characterized by different phospho-site driven binding modes, forms a valuable, disease-relevant, 14-3-3 multivalent model PPI to explore this selectivity issue. This work presents the identification and early-stage optimization of small molecule fragment-like stabilizers for a specific binding site of the 14-3-3/Tau PPI. Using different biophysical assays, the stabilizing potency of the imine-bond forming molecules was mapped and X-ray crystallography studies provided structural data on the binding mode of the ternary complexes. Exploiting the unique topologies and functionalities of the different binding sites enabled the engineering of selectivity for this initial molecular glue matter for the pS214 binding site, over a second 14-3-3 binding site in Tau (pS324). These reversible covalent tool compounds will allow for the further exploration of the role of 14-3-3 in Tau aggregation.

14-3-3 protein and its isoforms: A common diagnostic marker for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and glaucomatous neurodegeneration

There is a molecular coupling between neurodegenerative diseases, including glaucomatous neurodegeneration (GN), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD). Many cells in the eye and the brain have the right amount of 14-3-3 proteins (14-3-3 s) and their isoforms, such as β, ε, γ, η, θ, π, and γ. These cells include keratocytes, endothelial cells, corneal epithelial cells, and primary conjunctival epithelial cells. 14-3-3 s regulate autophagy and mitophagy, help break down built-up proteins, and connect to other proteins to safeguard against neurodegeneration in AD, PD, GN, and glioblastoma. By interacting with these proteins, 14-3-3 s stop Bad and Bax proteins from entering mitochondria and make them less effective. These interactions inhibit neuronal apoptosis. They play many important roles in managing the breakdown of lysosomal proteins, tau, and Aβ, which is why the 14-3-3 s could be used as therapeutic targets in AD. Furthermore, researchers have discovered 14-3-3 s in Lewy bodies, which are associated with various proteins like LRRK2, ASN, and Parkin, all of which play a role in developing Parkinson's disease (PD). The 14-3-3 s influence the premature aging and natural wrinkles of human skin. Studies have shown that lowering 14-3-3 s in the brain can lead to an increase in cell-death proteins like BAX and ERK, which in turn causes excitotoxicity-induced neurodegeneration. This review aimed to clarify the role of 14-3-3 s in the neuropathology of AD, PD, and GN, as well as potential diagnostic markers for improving neuronal survival and repair.

14-3-3 Family of Proteins: Biological Implications, Molecular Interactions, and Potential Intervention in Cancer, Virus and Neurodegeneration Disorders

The 14-3-3 family of proteins are highly conserved acidic eukaryotic proteins (25-32 kDa) abundantly present in the body. Through numerous binding partners, the 14-3-3 is responsible for many essential cellular pathways, such as cell cycle regulation and gene transcription control. Hence, its dysregulation has been linked to the onset of critical illnesses such as cancers, neurodegenerative diseases and viral infections. Interestingly, explorative studies have revealed an inverse correlation of 14-3-3 protein in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, and the direct manipulation of 14-3-3 by virus to enhance infection capacity has dramatically extended its significance. Of these, COVID-19 has been linked to the 14-3-3 proteins by the interference of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein during virion assembly. Given its predisposition towards multiple essential host signalling pathways, it is vital to understand the holistic interactions between the 14-3-3 protein to unravel its potential therapeutic unit in the future. As such, the general structure and properties of the 14-3-3 family of proteins, as well as their known biological functions and implications in cancer, neurodegeneration, and viruses, were covered in this review. Furthermore, the potential therapeutic target of 14-3-3 proteins in the associated diseases was discussed.

Hiding in plain sight: Complex interaction patterns between Tau and 14-3-3ζ protein variants

Tau protein is an intrinsically disordered protein that plays a key role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In brains of AD patients, Tau occurs abnormally phosphorylated and aggregated in neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Together with Tau, 14-3-3 proteins - abundant cytosolic dimeric proteins - were found colocalized in the NFTs. However, so far, the molecular mechanism of the process leading to pathological changes in Tau structure as well as the direct involvement of 14-3-3 proteins are not well understood. Here, we aimed to reveal the effects of phosphorylation by protein kinase A (PKA) on Tau structural preferences and provide better insight into the interaction between Tau and 14-3-3 proteins. We also addressed the impact of monomerization-inducing phosphorylation of 14-3-3 at S58 on the binding to Tau protein. Using multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), chemical cross-linking analyzed by mass spectrometry (MS) and PAGE, we unveiled differences in their binding affinity, stoichiometry, and interfaces with single-residue resolution. We revealed that the interaction between 14-3-3 and Tau proteins is mediated not only via the 14-3-3 amphipathic binding grooves, but also via less specific interactions with 14-3-3 protein surface and, in the case of monomeric 14-3-3, also partially via the exposed dimeric interface. In addition, the hyperphosphorylation of Tau changes its affinity to 14-3-3 proteins. In conclusion, we propose quite complex interaction mode between the Tau and 14-3-3 proteins.

Characterizing the protein-protein interaction between MDM2 and 14-3-3σ; proof of concept for small molecule stabilization

Mouse Double Minute 2 (MDM2) is a key negative regulator of the tumor suppressor protein p53. MDM2 overexpression occurs in many types of cancer and results in the suppression of WT p53. The 14-3-3 family of adaptor proteins are known to bind MDM2 and the 14-3-3σ isoform controls MDM2 cellular localization and stability to inhibit its activity. Therefore, small molecule stabilization of the 14-3-3σ/MDM2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) is a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancer. Here, we provide a detailed biophysical and structural characterization of the phosphorylation-dependent interaction between 14-3-3σ and peptides that mimic the 14-3-3 binding motifs within MDM2. The data show that di-phosphorylation of MDM2 at S166 and S186 is essential for high affinity 14-3-3 binding and that the binary complex formed involves one MDM2 di-phosphorylated peptide bound to a dimer of 14-3-3σ. However, the two phosphorylation sites do not simultaneously interact so as to bridge the 14-3-3 dimer in a 'multivalent' fashion. Instead, the two phosphorylated MDM2 motifs 'rock' between the two binding grooves of the dimer, which is unusual in the context of 14-3-3 proteins. In addition, we show that the 14-3-3σ-MDM2 interaction is amenable to small molecule stabilization. The natural product fusicoccin A forms a ternary complex with a 14-3-3σ dimer and an MDM2 di-phosphorylated peptide resulting in the stabilization of the 14-3-3σ/MDM2 PPI. This work serves as a proof-of-concept of the drugability of the 14-3-3/MDM2 PPI and paves the way toward the development of more selective and efficacious small molecule stabilizers.

Contemporary biophysical approaches for studying 14-3-3 protein-protein interactions

14-3-3 proteins are a family of regulatory hubs that function through a vast network of protein-protein interactions. Their dysfunction or dysregulation is implicated in a wide range of diseases, and thus they are attractive drug targets, especially for molecular glues that promote protein-protein interactions for therapeutic intervention. However, an incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underpin 14-3-3 function hampers progress in drug design and development. Biophysical methodologies are an essential element of the 14-3-3 analytical toolbox, but in many cases have not been fully exploited. Here, we present a contemporary review of the predominant biophysical techniques used to study 14-3-3 protein-protein interactions, with a focus on examples that address key questions and challenges in the 14-3-3 field.

Structural insights into the functional roles of 14-3-3 proteins

Signal transduction cascades efficiently transmit chemical and/or physical signals from the extracellular environment to intracellular compartments, thereby eliciting an appropriate cellular response. Most often, these signaling processes are mediated by specific protein-protein interactions involving hundreds of different receptors, enzymes, transcription factors, and signaling, adaptor and scaffolding proteins. Among them, 14-3-3 proteins are a family of highly conserved scaffolding molecules expressed in all eukaryotes, where they modulate the function of other proteins, primarily in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. Through these binding interactions, 14-3-3 proteins participate in key cellular processes, such as cell-cycle control, apoptosis, signal transduction, energy metabolism, and protein trafficking. To date, several hundreds of 14-3-3 binding partners have been identified, including protein kinases, phosphatases, receptors and transcription factors, which have been implicated in the onset of various diseases. As such, 14-3-3 proteins are promising targets for pharmaceutical interventions. However, despite intensive research into their protein-protein interactions, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms whereby 14-3-3 proteins regulate the functions of their binding partners remains insufficient. This review article provides an overview of the current state of the art of the molecular mechanisms whereby 14-3-3 proteins regulate their binding partners, focusing on recent structural studies of 14-3-3 protein complexes.

Tau isoform-specific enhancement of L-type calcium current and augmentation of afterhyperpolarization in rat hippocampal neurons

Accumulation of tau is observed in dementia, with human tau displaying 6 isoforms grouped by whether they display either 3 or 4 C-terminal repeat domains (3R or 4R) and exhibit no (0N), one (1N) or two (2N) N terminal repeats. Overexpression of 4R0N-tau in rat hippocampal slices enhanced the L-type calcium (Ca²⁺) current-dependent components of the medium and slow afterhyperpolarizations (AHPs). Overexpression of both 4R0N-tau and 4R2N-tau augmented Ca_V1.2-mediated L-type currents when expressed in tsA-201 cells, an effect not observed with the third 4R isoform, 4R1N-tau. Current enhancement was only observed when the pore-forming subunit was co-expressed with Ca_Vβ3 and not Ca_Vβ2a subunits. Non-stationary noise analysis indicated that enhanced Ca²⁺ channel current arose from a larger number of functional channels. 4R0N-tau and Ca_Vβ3 were found to be physically associated by co-immunoprecipitation. In contrast, the 4R1N-tau isoform that did not augment expressed macroscopic L-type Ca²⁺ current exhibited greatly reduced binding to Ca_Vβ3. These data suggest that physical association between tau and the Ca_Vβ3 subunit stabilises functional L-type channels in the membrane, increasing channel number and Ca²⁺ influx. Enhancing the Ca²⁺-dependent component of AHPs would produce cognitive impairment that underlie those seen in the early phases of tauopathies.

In vitro characterization and molecular dynamics simulation reveal mechanism of 14-3-3ζ regulated phase separation of the tau protein

As a major microtubule-associated protein, tau is involved in the assembly of microtubules in the central nervous system. However, under pathological conditions tau assembles into amyloid filaments. Liquid droplets formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) are a recently identified assembly state of tau and may have a major effect on the physiological function of tau and the formation of tau aggregates. 14-3-3 proteins are ubiquitously expressed in various tissues and regulate a wide variety of biological processes. In this work, we demonstrate that 14-3-3ζ is recruited into tau droplets and regulates tau LLPS by in vitro assays. While the mobility of tau molecules inside the droplets is not affected in the presence of 14-3-3ζ, the amount and size of droplets can vary significantly. Mechanistic studies reveal that 14-3-3ζ regulates tau LLPS by electrostatic interactions and hydrophobic interactions with the proline-rich domain and the microtubule-binding domain of tau. Surprisingly, the disordered C-terminal tail rather than the amphipathic binding groove of 14-3-3ζ plays a key role. Our findings not only provide a novel dimension to understand the interactions between 14-3-3 proteins and tau, but also suggest that 14-3-3 proteins may play an important role in regulating the LLPS of their binding partners.

Recent advances in structural studies of 14-3-3 protein complexes

Being phosphopeptide-binding hubs, 14-3-3 proteins coordinate multiple cellular processes in eukaryotes, including the regulation of apoptosis, cell cycle, ion channels trafficking, transcription, signal transduction, and hormone biosynthesis. Forming constitutive α-helical dimers, 14-3-3 proteins predominantly recognize specifically phosphorylated Ser/Thr sites within their partners; this generally stabilizes phosphotarget conformation and affects its activity, intracellular distribution, dephosphorylation, degradation and interactions with other proteins. Not surprisingly, 14-3-3 complexes are involved in the development of a range of diseases and are considered promising drug targets. The wide interactome of 14-3-3 proteins encompasses hundreds of different phosphoproteins, for many of which the interaction is well-documented in vitro and in vivo but lack the structural data that would help better understand underlying regulatory mechanisms and develop new drugs. Despite obtaining structural information on 14-3-3 complexes is still lagging behind the research of 14-3-3 interactions on a proteome-wide scale, recent works provided some advances, including methodological improvements and accumulation of new interesting structural data, that are discussed in this review.

Exploring the Binding Mechanism of a Supramolecular Tweezer CLR01 to 14-3-3σ Protein via Well-Tempered Metadynamics

Using supramolecules for protein function regulation is an effective strategy in chemical biology and drug discovery. However, due to the presence of multiple binding sites on protein surfaces, protein function regulation via selective binding of supramolecules is challenging. Recently, the functions of 14-3-3 proteins, which play an important role in regulating intracellular signaling pathways via protein–protein interactions, have been modulated using a supramolecular tweezer, CLR01. However, the binding mechanisms of the tweezer molecule to 14-3-3 proteins are still unclear, which has hindered the development of novel supramolecules targeting the 14-3-3 proteins. Herein, the binding mechanisms of the tweezer to the lysine residues on 14-3-3σ (an isoform in 14-3-3 protein family) were explored by well-tempered metadynamics. The results indicated that the inclusion complex formed between the protein and supramolecule is affected by both kinetic and thermodynamic factors. In particular, simulations confirmed that K214 could form a strong binding complex with the tweezer; the binding free energy was calculated to be −10.5 kcal·mol⁻¹ with an association barrier height of 3.7 kcal·mol⁻¹. In addition, several other lysine residues on 14-3-3σ were identified as being well-recognized by the tweezer, which agrees with experimental results, although only K214/tweezer was co-crystallized. Additionally, the binding mechanisms of the tweezer to all lysine residues were analyzed by exploring the representative conformations during the formation of the inclusion complex. This could be helpful for the development of new inhibitors based on tweezers with more functions against 14-3-3 proteins via modifications of CLR01. We also believe that the proposed computational strategies can be extended to understand the binding mechanism of multi-binding sites proteins with supramolecules and will, thus, be useful toward drug design.

Deciphering the Structure and Formation of Amyloids in Neurodegenerative Diseases With Chemical Biology Tools

Protein aggregation into highly ordered, regularly repeated cross-β sheet structures called amyloid fibrils is closely associated to human disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, or systemic diseases like type II diabetes. Yet, in some cases, such as the HET-s prion, amyloids have biological functions. High-resolution structures of amyloids fibrils from cryo-electron microscopy have very recently highlighted their ultrastructural organization and polymorphisms. However, the molecular mechanisms and the role of co-factors (posttranslational modifications, non-proteinaceous components and other proteins) acting on the fibril formation are still poorly understood. Whether amyloid fibrils play a toxic or protective role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases remains to be elucidated. Furthermore, such aberrant protein-protein interactions challenge the search of small-molecule drugs or immunotherapy approaches targeting amyloid formation. In this review, we describe how chemical biology tools contribute to new insights on the mode of action of amyloidogenic proteins and peptides, defining their structural signature and aggregation pathways by capturing their molecular details and conformational heterogeneity. Challenging the imagination of scientists, this constantly expanding field provides crucial tools to unravel mechanistic detail of amyloid formation such as semisynthetic proteins and small-molecule sensors of conformational changes and/or aggregation. Protein engineering methods and bioorthogonal chemistry for the introduction of protein chemical modifications are additional fruitful strategies to tackle the challenge of understanding amyloid formation.