1
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Venati SR, Uversky VN. Exploring Intrinsic Disorder in Human Synucleins and Associated Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8399. [PMID: 39125972 PMCID: PMC11313516 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158399] [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: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In this work, we explored the intrinsic disorder status of the three members of the synuclein family of proteins-α-, β-, and γ-synucleins-and showed that although all three human synucleins are highly disordered, the highest levels of disorder are observed in γ-synuclein. Our analysis of the peculiarities of the amino acid sequences and modeled 3D structures of the human synuclein family members revealed that the pathological mutations A30P, E46K, H50Q, A53T, and A53E associated with the early onset of Parkinson's disease caused some increase in the local disorder propensity of human α-synuclein. A comparative sequence-based analysis of the synuclein proteins from various evolutionary distant species and evaluation of their levels of intrinsic disorder using a set of commonly used bioinformatics tools revealed that, irrespective of their origin, all members of the synuclein family analyzed in this study were predicted to be highly disordered proteins, indicating that their intrinsically disordered nature represents an evolutionary conserved and therefore functionally important feature. A detailed functional disorder analysis of the proteins in the interactomes of the human synuclein family members utilizing a set of commonly used disorder analysis tools showed that the human α-synuclein interactome has relatively higher levels of intrinsic disorder as compared with the interactomes of human β- and γ- synucleins and revealed that, relative to the β- and γ-synuclein interactomes, α-synuclein interactors are involved in a much broader spectrum of highly diversified functional pathways. Although proteins interacting with three human synucleins were characterized by highly diversified functionalities, this analysis also revealed that the interactors of three human synucleins were involved in three common functional pathways, such as the synaptic vesicle cycle, serotonergic synapse, and retrograde endocannabinoid signaling. Taken together, these observations highlight the critical importance of the intrinsic disorder of human synucleins and their interactors in various neuronal processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriya Reddy Venati
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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2
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Reed TJ, Tyl MD, Tadych A, Troyanskaya OG, Cristea IM. Tapioca: a platform for predicting de novo protein-protein interactions in dynamic contexts. Nat Methods 2024; 21:488-500. [PMID: 38361019 PMCID: PMC11249048 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-024-02179-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) drive cellular processes and responses to environmental cues, reflecting the cellular state. Here we develop Tapioca, an ensemble machine learning framework for studying global PPIs in dynamic contexts. Tapioca predicts de novo interactions by integrating mass spectrometry interactome data from thermal/ion denaturation or cofractionation workflows with protein properties and tissue-specific functional networks. Focusing on the thermal proximity coaggregation method, we improved the experimental workflow. Finely tuned thermal denaturation afforded increased throughput, while cell lysis optimization enhanced protein detection from different subcellular compartments. The Tapioca workflow was next leveraged to investigate viral infection dynamics. Temporal PPIs were characterized during the reactivation from latency of the oncogenic Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. Together with functional assays, NUCKS was identified as a proviral hub protein, and a broader role was uncovered by integrating PPI networks from alpha- and betaherpesvirus infections. Altogether, Tapioca provides a web-accessible platform for predicting PPIs in dynamic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tavis J Reed
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Carl Icahn Laboratory, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Matthew D Tyl
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Alicja Tadych
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Carl Icahn Laboratory, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Olga G Troyanskaya
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Carl Icahn Laboratory, Princeton, NJ, USA.
- Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
- Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation, New York City, NY, USA.
| | - Ileana M Cristea
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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3
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Zhang X, Zhang X, Li X, Bao H, Li G, Li N, Li H, Dou J. NUCKS1 Acts as a Promising Novel Biomarker for the Prognosis of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2023; 38:720-725. [PMID: 33601927 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2020.4226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Nuclear casein kinase and cyclin-dependent kinase substrate 1 (NUCKS1) is highly expressed in some tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its clinical significance in HCC prognosis is still unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the expression and prognostic value of NUCKS1 in HCC. Materials and Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect relative expression of NUCKS1 mRNA in HCC tissues and corresponding adjacent normal tissues. The relationship between NUCKS1 expression and clinical characteristics of patients was analyzed by χ2 test. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were applied to estimate prognostic value of NUCKS1 in HCC. Results: Compared with normal ones, the expression of NUCKS1 mRNA was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues (p < 0.001). Besides, NUCKS1 expression was closely associated with tumor differentiation, tumor node metastasis stage, vascular invasion, and metastasis (p < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that overall survival was obviously longer in HCC patients with low expression of NUCKS1 than those with high NUCKS1 expression (log rank test, p = 0.001). NUCKS1 might be an independent prognostic factor for HCC patients (HR = 1.905, 95% CI = 1.106-3.283, p = 0.020). Conclusions: NUCKS1 may be correlated with the progression of HCC and serve as a potential predictive factor for the prognosis of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianfeng Zhang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Harrison International Peace Hospital, Hengshui, China
| | - Xianjun Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology, Harrison International Peace Hospital, Hengshui, China
| | - Xinguo Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Harrison International Peace Hospital, Hengshui, China
| | - Hongbing Bao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Harrison International Peace Hospital, Hengshui, China
| | - Guang Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Harrison International Peace Hospital, Hengshui, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Harrison International Peace Hospital, Hengshui, China
| | - Hengli Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Harrison International Peace Hospital, Hengshui, China
| | - Jian Dou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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4
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NUCKS1 is a highly modified, chromatin-associated protein involved in a diverse set of biological and pathophysiological processes. Biochem J 2022; 479:1205-1220. [PMID: 35695515 PMCID: PMC10016235 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The Nuclear Casein and Cyclin-dependent Kinase Substrate 1 (NUCKS1) protein is highly conserved in vertebrates, predominantly localized to the nucleus and one of the most heavily modified proteins in the human proteome. NUCKS1 expression is high in stem cells and the brain, developmentally regulated in mice and associated with several diverse malignancies in humans, including cancer, metabolic syndrome and Parkinson's disease. NUCKS1 function has been linked to modulating chromatin architecture and transcription, DNA repair and cell cycle regulation. In this review, we summarize and discuss the published information on NUCKS1 and highlight the questions that remain to be addressed to better understand the complex biology of this multifaceted protein.
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5
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Zhao E, Feng L, Bai L, Cui H. NUCKS promotes cell proliferation and suppresses autophagy through the mTOR-Beclin1 pathway in gastric cancer. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:194. [PMID: 32958058 PMCID: PMC7504682 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01696-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Nuclear casein kinase and cyclin-dependent kinase substrate (NUCKS), a novel gene first reported in 2001, is a member of the high mobility group (HMG) family. Although very little is known regarding the biological roles of NUCKS, emerging clinical evidence suggests that the NUCKS protein can be used as a biomarker and therapeutic target in various human ailments, including several types of cancer. Methods We first assessed the potential correlation between NUCKS expression and gastric cancer prognosis. Then functional experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of NUCKS in cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and autophagy. Finally, the roles of NUCKS on gastric cancer were examined in vivo. Results We found that NUCKS was overexpressed in gastric cancer patients with poor prognosis. Through manipulating NUCKS expression, it was observed to be positively associated with cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. NUCKS knockdown could induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Then further investigation indicated that NUCKS knockdown could also significantly induce a marked increase in autophagy though the mTOR-Beclin1 pathway, which could be was rescued by NUCKS restoration. Moreover, silencing Beclin1 in NUCKS knockdown cells or adding rapamycin in NUCKS-overexpressed cells also confirmed these results. Conclusions Our findings revealed that NUCKS functions as an oncogene and an inhibitor of autophagy in gastric cancer. Thus, the downregulation or inhibition of NUCKS may be a potential therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erhu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400716, China.,Cancer Center, Reproductive Medicine Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health (Chongqing Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute), Chongqing, 400020, China.,Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Liying Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400716, China.,Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China.,Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Longchang Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400716, China.,Cancer Center, Reproductive Medicine Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China.,Westa College, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, No.2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400716, China. .,Cancer Center, Reproductive Medicine Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health (Chongqing Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute), Chongqing, 400020, China. .,Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China. .,Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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Cruz-Rivera YE, Perez-Morales J, Santiago YM, Gonzalez VM, Morales L, Cabrera-Rios M, Isaza CE. A Selection of Important Genes and Their Correlated Behavior in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 65:193-205. [PMID: 30040709 PMCID: PMC6087431 DOI: 10.3233/jad-170799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In 2017, approximately 5 million Americans were living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and it is estimated that by 2050 this number could increase to 16 million. In this study, we apply mathematical optimization to approach microarray analysis to detect differentially expressed genes and determine the most correlated structure among their expression changes. The analysis of GSE4757 microarray dataset, which compares expression between AD neurons without neurofibrillary tangles (controls) and with neurofibrillary tangles (cases), was casted as a multiple criteria optimization (MCO) problem. Through the analysis it was possible to determine a series of Pareto efficient frontiers to find the most differentially expressed genes, which are here proposed as potential AD biomarkers. The Traveling Sales Problem (TSP) model was used to find the cyclical path of maximal correlation between the expression changes among the genes deemed important from the previous stage. This leads to a structure capable of guiding biological exploration with enhanced precision and repeatability. Ten genes were selected (FTL, GFAP, HNRNPA3, COX1, ND2, ND3, ND4, NUCKS1, RPL41, and RPS10) and their most correlated cyclic structure was found in our analyses. The biological functions of their products were found to be linked to inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases and some of them had not been reported for AD before. The TSP path connects genes coding for mitochondrial electron transfer proteins. Some of these proteins are closely related to other electron transport proteins already reported as important for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazeli E Cruz-Rivera
- The Applied Optimization Group/Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
| | - Jaileene Perez-Morales
- Department of Basic Science-Biochemistry Division, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Yaritza M Santiago
- The Applied Optimization Group/Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
| | - Valerie M Gonzalez
- The Applied Optimization Group/Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
| | - Luisa Morales
- Public Health Program, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Mauricio Cabrera-Rios
- The Applied Optimization Group/Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
| | - Clara E Isaza
- The Applied Optimization Group/Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico.,Public Health Program, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
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7
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Didehydro-Cortistatin A Inhibits HIV-1 by Specifically Binding to the Unstructured Basic Region of Tat. mBio 2019; 10:mBio.02662-18. [PMID: 30723126 PMCID: PMC6368365 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02662-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The intrinsically disordered HIV-1 Tat protein binds the viral RNA transactivation response structure (TAR), which recruits transcriptional cofactors, amplifying viral mRNA expression. Limited Tat transactivation correlates with HIV-1 latency. Unfortunately, Tat inhibitors are not clinically available. The small molecule didehydro-cortistatin A (dCA) inhibits Tat, locking HIV-1 in persistent latency, blocking viral rebound. We generated chemical derivatives of dCA that rationalized molecular docking of dCA to an active and specific Tat conformer. These revealed the importance of the cycloheptene ring and the isoquinoline nitrogen's positioning in the interaction with specific residues of Tat's basic domain. These features are distinct from the ones required for inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8), the only other known ligand of dCA. Besides, we demonstrated that dCA activity on HIV-1 transcription is independent of CDK8. The binding of dCA to Tat with nanomolar affinity alters the local protein environment, rendering Tat more resistant to proteolytic digestion. dCA thus locks a transient conformer of Tat, specifically blocking functions dependent of its basic domain, namely the Tat-TAR interaction; while proteins with similar basic patches are unaffected by dCA. Our results improve our knowledge of the mode of action of dCA and support structure-based design strategies targeting Tat, to help advance development of dCA, as well as novel Tat inhibitors.IMPORTANCE Tat activates virus production, and limited Tat transactivation correlates with HIV-1 latency. The Tat inhibitor dCA locks HIV in persistent latency. This drug class enables block-and-lock functional cure approaches, aimed at reducing residual viremia during therapy and limiting viral rebound. dCA may also have additional therapeutic benefits since Tat is also neurotoxic. Unfortunately, Tat inhibitors are not clinically available. We generated chemical derivatives and rationalized binding to an active and specific Tat conformer. dCA features required for Tat inhibition are distinct from features needed for inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8), the only other known target of dCA. Furthermore, knockdown of CDK8 did not impact dCA's activity on HIV-1 transcription. Binding of dCA to Tat's basic domain altered the local protein environment and rendered Tat more resistant to proteolytic digestion. dCA locks a transient conformer of Tat, blocking functions dependent on its basic domain, namely its ability to amplify viral transcription. Our results define dCA's mode of action, support structure-based-design strategies targeting Tat, and provide valuable information for drug development around the dCA pharmacophore.
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Wang M, Yang W, Chen Y, Wang J, Tan J, Qiao W. Cellular RelB interacts with the transactivator Tat and enhance HIV-1 expression. Retrovirology 2018; 15:65. [PMID: 30241541 PMCID: PMC6150996 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-018-0447-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Tat protein plays an essential role in HIV-1 gene transcription. Tat transactivates HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR)-directed gene expression through direct interactions with the transactivation-responsive region (TAR) element and other cis elements in the LTR. The TAR-independent Tat-mediated LTR transactivation is modulated by several host factors, but the mechanism is not fully understood. RESULTS Here, we report that Tat interacts with the Rel homology domain of RelB through its core region. Furthermore, RelB significantly increases Tat-mediated transcription of the HIV-1 LTR and viral gene expression, which is independent of the TAR. Both Tat and RelB are recruited to the HIV-1 promoter, of which RelB facilitates the recruitment of Tat to the viral LTR. The NF-κB elements are key to the accumulation of Tat and RelB on the LTR. Knockout of RelB reduces the accumulation of RNA polymerase II on the LTR, and decreases HIV-1 gene transcription. Together, our data suggest that RelB contributes to HIV-1 transactivation. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that RelB interacts with Tat and enhances TAR-independent activation of HIV-1 LTR promoter, which adds new insights into the multi-layered mechanisms of Tat in regulating the gene expression of HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Juan Tan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
| | - Wentao Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The viral transactivator Tat protein is a key modulator of HIV-1 replication, as it regulates transcriptional elongation from the integrated proviral genome. Tat recruits the human transcription elongation factor b, and other host proteins, such as the super elongation complex, to activate the cellular RNA polymerase II, normally stalled shortly after transcription initiation at the HIV promoter. By means of a complex set of interactions with host cellular factors, Tat determines the fate of viral activity within the infected cell. The virus will either actively replicate to promote dissemination in blood and tissues, or become dormant mostly in memory CD4+ T cells, as part of a small but long-living latent reservoir, the main obstacle for HIV eradication. OBJECTIVE In this review, we summarize recent advances in the understanding of the multi-step mechanism that regulates Tat-mediated HIV-1 transcription and RNA polymerase II release, to promote viral transcription elongation. Early events of the human transcription elongation factor b release from the inhibitory 7SK small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex and its recruitment to the HIV promoter will be discussed. Specific roles of the super elongation complex subunits during transcription elongation, and insight on recently identified cellular factors and mechanisms regulating HIV latency will be detailed. CONCLUSION Understanding the complexity of HIV transcriptional regulation by host factors may open the door for development of novel strategies to eradicate the resilient latent reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Mousseau
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458. United States
| | - Susana T Valente
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458. United States
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Roles of NUCKS1 in Diseases: Susceptibility, Potential Biomarker, and Regulatory Mechanisms. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:7969068. [PMID: 29619377 PMCID: PMC5830027 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7969068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear casein kinase and cyclin-dependent kinase substrate 1 (NUCKS1) is a 27 kD chromosomal, highly conserved, and vertebrate-specific protein. NUCKS1 gene encodes a nuclear protein and the conserved regions of NUCKS1 contain several consensus phosphorylation sites for casein kinase II (CK2) and cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdk) and a basic DNA-binding domain. NUCKS1 is similar to the high mobility group (HMG) family which dominates chromatin remodeling and regulates gene transcription. Meanwhile, NUCKS1 is a RAD51 associated protein 1 (RAD51AP1) paralog that is significant for homologous recombination (HR) and genome stability and also a transcriptional regulator of the insulin signaling components. NUCKS1 plays an important role in DNA damage response and metabolism, participates in inflammatory immune response, and correlates with microRNA. Although there is still not enough functional information on NUCKS1, evidences suggest that NUCKS1 can be used as the biomarker of several cancers. This review summarizes the latest research on NUCKS1 about its susceptibility in diseases, expression levels, and regulatory mechanisms as well as the possible functions in reference to diseases.
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Shin Y, Choi BS, Kim KC, Kang C, Kim K, Yoon CH. Development of a dual reporter screening assay for distinguishing the inhibition of HIV Tat-mediated transcription from off-target effects. J Virol Methods 2017; 249:1-9. [PMID: 28807730 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) encodes a transcription trans-activator (Tat) with an essential role in the transcriptional elongation of viral RNA based on the viral promoter long terminal repeat (LTR). Tat-mediated transcription is conserved and can be distinguished from host transcription, so it is a therapeutic target for combating HIV replication. Traditional screening assays for Tat-mediated transcriptional inhibitors are based on the biochemical properties of Tat and transactivation-responsive RNA. We developed an inducible system based on two lentiviral expression cassettes for doxycycline (Dox)-inducible Tat and Renilla luciferase (R-Luc) using TZM-bl cells harboring LTR-driven firefly luciferase (F-Luc). The cells simultaneously expressed both Tat-induced F-Luc and R-Luc, so it was possible to recognize off-target effects in the presence of Dox. The system was validated with known inhibitors: CYC202 obtained high sensitivity and specificity, whereas 6Bio and DRB had off-target effects. The MTT-based cytotoxicity test indicated the resistance of the system even at concentrations with off-target effects. The specificity of the system was confirmed using antiretroviral drugs. Our dual reporter system can simply detect Tat inhibitory effects, as well as precisely discriminate between the inhibitory and off-target effects of inhibitors, and may be useful for the development of a therapeutic anti-HIV drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- YoungHyun Shin
- Division of AIDS, Korea National Institute of Health, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea; Division of Viral Disease Research, Korea National Institute of Health, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byeong-Sun Choi
- Division of AIDS, Korea National Institute of Health, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea; Division of Viral Disease Research, Korea National Institute of Health, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyung-Chang Kim
- Division of AIDS, Korea National Institute of Health, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea; Division of Viral Disease Research, Korea National Institute of Health, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea.
| | - Chun Kang
- Division of AIDS, Korea National Institute of Health, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea; Division of Viral Diseases, Korea National Institute of Health, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kisoon Kim
- Division of Viral Disease Research, Korea National Institute of Health, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea.
| | - Cheol-Hee Yoon
- Division of AIDS, Korea National Institute of Health, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea; Division of Viral Disease Research, Korea National Institute of Health, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea.
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Grundt K, Thiede B, Østvold AC. Identification of kinases phosphorylating 13 sites in the nuclear, DNA-binding protein NUCKS. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2016; 1865:359-369. [PMID: 28011258 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
NUCKS is a vertebrate specific, nuclear and DNA-binding phospho protein. The protein is highly expressed in rapidly dividing cells, and is overexpressed in a number of cancer tissues. The phosphorylation of NUCKS is cell cycle and DNA-damage regulated, but little is known about the responsible kinases. By utilizing in vitro and in vivo phosphorylation assays using isolated NUCKS as well as synthetic NUCKS-derived peptides in combination with mass spectrometry, phosphopeptide mapping, phosphphoamino acid analyses, phosphospecific antibodies and the use of specific kinase inhibitors, we found that NUCKS is phosphorylated on 11 sites by CK2. At least 7 of the CK2 sites are phosphorylated in vivo. We also found that NUCKS is phosphorylated on two sites by ATM kinase and DNA-PK in vitro, and is phosphorylated in vivo by ATM kinase in γ-irradiated cells. All together, we identified three kinases phosphorylating 13 out of 39 in vivo phosphorylated sites in mammalian NUCKS. The identification of CK2 and PIKK kinases as kinases phosphorylating NUCKS in vivo provide further evidence for the involvement of NUCKS in cell cycle control and DNA repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Grundt
- University of Oslo, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, P.O. Box 1112, Blindern N-0317, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bernd Thiede
- University of Oslo, Department of Biosciences, P.O. Box 1066, Blindern N-0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Carine Østvold
- University of Oslo, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, P.O. Box 1112, Blindern N-0317, Oslo, Norway.
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Shin Y, Lim H, Choi BS, Kim KC, Kang C, Bae YS, Yoon CH. Highly activated p53 contributes to selectively increased apoptosis of latently HIV-1 infected cells upon treatment of anticancer drugs. Virol J 2016; 13:141. [PMID: 27527606 PMCID: PMC4986278 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-016-0595-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the successful inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication by combination antiretroviral therapy, cells latently infected with HIV-1 remaining in patients are a major obstacle for eradication of HIV-1 infection. The tumor suppressor factor p53 is activated by HIV-1 infection, and restricts HIV-1 replication. However, a therapeutic strategy based on p53 activity has not been considered for elimination of latently infected cells. Methods Apoptotic cells were analyzed using flow cytometry with anti-annexin A5-FITC Ab and PI staining upon treatment of anticancer drugs. The expression and activation of p53 and apoptotic molecules in latently HIV-1-infected T cells were compared using Western blot analysis. The role of p53 in the anticancer drug treatment-induced apoptosis of cells latently infected with HIV-1 was determined by knock-down experiment using siRNA against p53. Results Upon treatment with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), apoptosis was increased in latently infected ACH2 cells encoding competent p53 compared with uninfected parent A3.01 cells, while the apoptosis of latently infected p53 null J1.1 cells was less than that of uninfected cells. Treatment with 5-FU increased the levels of cleaved caspase-3 and PARP in ACH2 cells compared with uninfected and latently infected p53 null J1.1 cells. The levels of expression and activation of p53 were higher in both latently infected ACH2 and NCHA2 cells than in uninfected cells. Furthermore, the activation levels of p53 in both cells were further increased upon 5-FU treatment. Consistent with p53 status, apoptosis was markedly increased in ACH2 and NCHA2 cells compared with uninfected and latently infected J1.1 cells upon treatment with other anticancer drugs such as doxorubicin and etoposide. Inhibition of p53 in cells with latent HIV-1 infection diminished apoptosis upon 5-FU treatment. Conclusion Evidence described here indicate that when treated with anticancer drugs, apoptosis of cells with latent HIV-1 infection was increased via the p53 activation pathway and may provide information for application of anticancer drugs to selectively eliminate HIV-1 reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- YoungHyun Shin
- Division of AIDS, Center for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Institute of Health, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-yeup, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 363-951, South Korea
| | - Hoyong Lim
- Division of AIDS, Center for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Institute of Health, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-yeup, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 363-951, South Korea
| | - Byeong-Sun Choi
- Division of AIDS, Center for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Institute of Health, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-yeup, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 363-951, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Chang Kim
- Division of AIDS, Center for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Institute of Health, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-yeup, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 363-951, South Korea
| | - Chun Kang
- Division of AIDS, Center for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Institute of Health, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-yeup, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 363-951, South Korea
| | - Yong-Soo Bae
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol-Hee Yoon
- Division of AIDS, Center for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Institute of Health, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-yeup, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 363-951, South Korea.
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Shin Y, Yoon CH, Yang HJ, Lim H, Choi BS, Kim SS, Kang C. Functional characteristics of the natural polymorphisms of HIV-1 gp41 in HIV-1 isolates from enfuvirtide-naïve Korean patients. Arch Virol 2016; 161:1547-57. [PMID: 26997611 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-016-2807-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
HIV-1 gp41 plays a key role in viral entry. The insertion of Thr at position 4 and Met/Val/Phe substitutions at position 7 are frequently observed in the fusion peptide (FP) motif of gp41 without major enfuvirtide resistance associated with mutation in heptad repeats 1/2 (HR1/2) of HIV-1 isolates from Korean patients. Here, the influence of these mutations on their biological function was evaluated by employing HIV-1 variants with mutant FPs as shown previously and with recombinant HIV-1 using the env genes of 20 HIV-1 isolates from Korean patients. In an infectivity assay, all FP mutants showed lower infectivity than the wild-type NL4-3. In particular, the substitutions at position 7 led to much greater reductions in infectivity than the insertions at position 4. Nevertheless, the replication kinetics of most mutants were similar to those of the wild type, except that the FP mutants with an Ile insertion at position 4 and a Phe substitution at position 7 showed reduced replication. Moreover, most point mutants showed lower IC50 values for enfuvirtide than the wild type, whereas the L7M substitution resulted in a slightly increased IC50 value. The infectivity using the HIV-1 env recombinant viruses decreased in 14 cases but increased slightly in six cases compared with the wild type. Most recombinants were more susceptible to enfuvirtide than the wild type, except for three recombinants that showed slight resistance. Our findings may help to explain the potential mechanisms corresponding to the natural polymorphism of gp41 and to predict the efficiency of enfuvirtide in treatment of HIV-1-infected patients in Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- YoungHyun Shin
- Division of AIDS, Center for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Institute of Health, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-yeup, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 363-951, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol-Hee Yoon
- Division of AIDS, Center for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Institute of Health, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-yeup, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 363-951, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jin Yang
- Division of AIDS, Center for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Institute of Health, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-yeup, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 363-951, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoyong Lim
- Division of AIDS, Center for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Institute of Health, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-yeup, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 363-951, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong-Sun Choi
- Division of AIDS, Center for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Institute of Health, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-yeup, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 363-951, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Soon Kim
- Division of Respiratory Viruses, Korea National Institute of Health, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Chun Kang
- Division of AIDS, Center for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Institute of Health, 187 Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-yeup, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 363-951, Republic of Korea.
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15
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HIV-1 Tat protein enhances the intracellular growth of Leishmania amazonensis via the ds-RNA induced protein PKR. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16777. [PMID: 26608746 PMCID: PMC4660360 DOI: 10.1038/srep16777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 co-infection with human parasitic diseases is a growing public health problem worldwide. Leishmania parasites infect and replicate inside macrophages, thereby subverting host signaling pathways, including the response mediated by PKR. The HIV-1 Tat protein interacts with PKR and plays a pivotal role in HIV-1 replication. This study shows that Tat increases both the expression and activation of PKR in Leishmania-infected macrophages. Importantly, the positive effect of Tat addition on parasite growth was dependent on PKR signaling, as demonstrated in PKR-deficient macrophages or macrophages treated with the PKR inhibitor. The effect of HIV-1 Tat on parasite growth was prevented when the supernatant of HIV-1-infected macrophages was treated with neutralizing anti-HIV-1 Tat prior to Leishmania infection. The addition of HIV-1 Tat to Leishmania-infected macrophages led to inhibition of iNOS expression, modulation of NF-kB activation and enhancement of IL-10 expression. Accordingly, the expression of a Tat construct containing mutations in the basic region (49–57aa), which is responsible for the interaction with PKR, favored neither parasite growth nor IL-10 expression in infected macrophages. In summary, we show that Tat enhances Leishmania growth through PKR signaling.
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Liu T, Tan S, Xu Y, Meng F, Yang C, Lou G. Increased NUCKS expression is a risk factor for poor prognosis and recurrence in endometrial cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2015; 5:3659-3667. [PMID: 26885454 PMCID: PMC4731639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear ubiquitous casein and cyclin-dependent kinases substrate (NUCKS) was reported to function as a potential biomarker in various tumors. Thus, we aimed to explore the expression of NUCKS in endometrial cancer (EC) and its clinical significance using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). qRT-PCR results showed that NUCKS mRNA expression gradually elevated from normal endometrium to atypical endometrial hyperplasia, and to EC (P < 0.05 between each group). NUCKS overexpression was strongly associated with FIGO stage (P = 0.002), histologic grade (P = 0.029), lympho-vascular space involvement (P = 0.014), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.019), and recurrence (P < 0.001). Cox multivariate analysis revealed that NUCKS overexpression was an independent factor for overall survival and recurrence-free survival (P < 0.001 for both). Multivariate logistic regression suggested that recurrence was independently correlated with NUCKS overexpresion (P = 0.039), FIGO stage (P = 0.002), and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.002). In summary, NUCKS overexpression may function as a potential biomarker for prognosis especially for recurrence in ECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianbo Liu
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Harbin Medical University Haping Road 150, Nangang District, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Shu Tan
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Harbin Medical University Haping Road 150, Nangang District, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Ye Xu
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Harbin Medical University Haping Road 150, Nangang District, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Fanling Meng
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Harbin Medical University Haping Road 150, Nangang District, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Chang Yang
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Harbin Medical University Haping Road 150, Nangang District, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Ge Lou
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Harbin Medical University Haping Road 150, Nangang District, Harbin 150081, China
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Shin Y, Yoon CH, Lim H, Park J, Roh TY, Kang C, Choi BS. Impaired IL-2 expression in latent HIV-1 infection. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 463:1237-42. [PMID: 26086100 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.06.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Regarding the T cell function in HIV-1 infection, activation of T cells is enhanced in acutely HIV-1-infected T cells upon stimuli. However, T cell immune responses underlying the activation of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling molecules and interleukin (IL)-2 production in latently HIV-1-infected cells are poorly understood. The expression and activation of TCR components and its downstream molecules in acutely and latently HIV-1-infected T cells were compared using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for mRNA expression and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for levels of IL-2 in phytohemagglutinin M (PHA-M). The levels of T cell surface molecules and TCR signaling molecules in latently HIV-1-infected cells were greatly decreased without changes in their mRNA levels. In addition, downstream TCR-signaling molecules in latently HIV-1-infected cells were not activated even in the presence of PHA-M. The phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the presence of PHA-M was weakly induced in latently HIV-1-infected cells but was greater in acutely HIVNL4-3-infected cells. Finally, the production of IL-2 was significantly decreased in latently HIV-1-infected cells compared with uninfected parent cells. Thus, IL-2-related immunological functions in latently HIV-1-infected T cells were markedly impaired even in the presence of stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- YoungHyun Shin
- Division of AIDS, Korea National Institute of Health, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol-Hee Yoon
- Division of AIDS, Korea National Institute of Health, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoyong Lim
- Division of AIDS, Korea National Institute of Health, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihwan Park
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Young Roh
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 790-784, Republic of Korea
| | - Chun Kang
- Division of AIDS, Korea National Institute of Health, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong-Sun Choi
- Division of AIDS, Korea National Institute of Health, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Dzamko N, Geczy CL, Halliday GM. Inflammation is genetically implicated in Parkinson's disease. Neuroscience 2014; 302:89-102. [PMID: 25450953 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Revised: 10/11/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation has long been associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) but the extent to which it is a cause or consequence is sill debated. Over the past decade a number of genes have been implicated in PD. Relatively rare missense mutations in genes such as LRRK2, Parkin, SNCA and PINK1 are causative for familial PD whereas more common variation in genes, including LRRK2, SNCA and GBA, comprise risk factors for sporadic PD. Determining how the function of these genes and the proteins they encode are altered in PD has become a priority, as results will likely provide much needed insights into contributing causes. Accumulating evidence indicates that many of these genes function in pathways that regulate aspects of immunity, particularly inflammation, suggesting close associations between PD and immune homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Dzamko
- School of Medical Sciences, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia.
| | - C L Geczy
- School of Medical Sciences, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - G M Halliday
- School of Medical Sciences, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia.
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