1
|
Aziz I, Kayastha K, Kaltwasser S, Vonck J, Welsch S, Murphy BJ, Kahnt J, Wu D, Wagner T, Shima S, Ermler U. Structural and mechanistic basis of the central energy-converting methyltransferase complex of methanogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2315568121. [PMID: 38530900 PMCID: PMC10998594 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2315568121] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Methanogenic archaea inhabiting anaerobic environments play a crucial role in the global biogeochemical material cycle. The most universal electrogenic reaction of their methane-producing energy metabolism is catalyzed by N 5-methyl-tetrahydromethanopterin: coenzyme M methyltransferase (MtrABCDEFGH), which couples the vectorial Na+ transport with a methyl transfer between the one-carbon carriers tetrahydromethanopterin and coenzyme M via a vitamin B12 derivative (cobamide) as prosthetic group. We present the 2.08 Å cryo-EM structure of Mtr(ABCDEFG)3 composed of the central Mtr(ABFG)3 stalk symmetrically flanked by three membrane-spanning MtrCDE globes. Tetraether glycolipids visible in the map fill gaps inside the multisubunit complex. Putative coenzyme M and Na+ were identified inside or in a side-pocket of a cytoplasmic cavity formed within MtrCDE. Its bottom marks the gate of the transmembrane pore occluded in the cryo-EM map. By integrating Alphafold2 information, functionally competent MtrA-MtrH and MtrA-MtrCDE subcomplexes could be modeled and thus the methyl-tetrahydromethanopterin demethylation and coenzyme M methylation half-reactions structurally described. Methyl-transfer-driven Na+ transport is proposed to be based on a strong and weak complex between MtrCDE and MtrA carrying vitamin B12, the latter being placed at the entrance of the cytoplasmic MtrCDE cavity. Hypothetically, strongly attached methyl-cob(III)amide (His-on) carrying MtrA induces an inward-facing conformation, Na+ flux into the membrane protein center and finally coenzyme M methylation while the generated loosely attached (or detached) MtrA carrying cob(I)amide (His-off) induces an outward-facing conformation and an extracellular Na+ outflux. Methyl-cob(III)amide (His-on) is regenerated in the distant active site of the methyl-tetrahydromethanopterin binding MtrH implicating a large-scale shuttling movement of the vitamin B12-carrying domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iram Aziz
- Molecular Membrane Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am MainD-60438, Germany
| | - Kanwal Kayastha
- Molecular Membrane Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am MainD-60438, Germany
| | - Susann Kaltwasser
- Central Electron Microscopy Facility, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am MainD-60438, Germany
| | - Janet Vonck
- Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am MainD-60438, Germany
| | - Sonja Welsch
- Central Electron Microscopy Facility, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am MainD-60438, Germany
| | - Bonnie J. Murphy
- Redox and Metalloprotein Research Group, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am MainD-60438, Germany
| | - Jörg Kahnt
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, MarburgD-35043, Germany
| | - Di Wu
- Molecular Membrane Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am MainD-60438, Germany
| | - Tristan Wagner
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, BremenD-28359, Germany
| | - Seigo Shima
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, MarburgD-35043, Germany
| | - Ulrich Ermler
- Molecular Membrane Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am MainD-60438, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Leighton SE, Wong RS, Lucaciu SA, Hauser A, Johnston D, Stathopulos PB, Bai D, Penuela S, Laird DW. Cx31.1 can selectively intermix with co-expressed connexins to facilitate its assembly into gap junctions. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261631. [PMID: 38533727 PMCID: PMC11058089 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261631] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Connexins are channel-forming proteins that function to facilitate gap junctional intercellular communication. Here, we use dual cell voltage clamp and dye transfer studies to corroborate past findings showing that Cx31.1 (encoded by GJB5) is defective in gap junction channel formation, illustrating that Cx31.1 alone does not form functional gap junction channels in connexin-deficient mammalian cells. Rather Cx31.1 transiently localizes to the secretory pathway with a subpopulation reaching the cell surface, which is rarely seen in puncta reminiscent of gap junctions. Intracellular retained Cx31.1 was subject to degradation as Cx31.1 accumulated in the presence of proteasomal inhibition, had a faster turnover when Cx43 was present and ultimately reached lysosomes. Although intracellularly retained Cx31.1 was found to interact with Cx43, this interaction did not rescue its delivery to the cell surface. Conversely, the co-expression of Cx31 dramatically rescued the assembly of Cx31.1 into gap junctions where gap junction-mediated dye transfer was enhanced. Collectively, our results indicate that the localization and functional status of Cx31.1 is altered through selective interplay with co-expressed connexins, perhaps suggesting Cx31.1 is a key regulator of intercellular signaling in keratinocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie E. Leighton
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Robert S. Wong
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Sergiu A. Lucaciu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Alexandra Hauser
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Danielle Johnston
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Peter B. Stathopulos
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Donglin Bai
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Silvia Penuela
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Western's Bone and Joint Institute, The Dr. Sandy Kirkley Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University Hospital, London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada
- Division of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Dale W. Laird
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guo H, Tan J, Jiao Y, Huang B, Ma R, Ramakrishnan M, Qi G, Zhang Z. Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the HAK/KUP/KT gene family in Moso bamboo. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1331710. [PMID: 38595761 PMCID: PMC11002169 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1331710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The K+ uptake permease/high-affinity K+/K+ transporter (KUP/HAK/KT) family is the most prominent group of potassium (K+) transporters, playing a key role in K+ uptake, transport, plant growth and development, and stress tolerance. However, the presence and functions of the KUP/HAK/KT family in Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis (Carriere) J. Houzeau), the fastest-growing plant, have not been studied. In this study, we identified 41 KUP/HAK/KT genes (PeHAKs) distributed across 18 chromosomal scaffolds of the Moso bamboo genome. PeHAK is a typical membrane protein with a conserved structural domain and motifs. Phylogenetic tree analysis classified PeHAKs into four distinct clusters, while collinearity analysis revealed gene duplications resulting from purifying selection, including both tandem and segmental duplications. Enrichment analysis of promoter cis-acting elements suggested their plausible role in abiotic stress response and hormone induction. Transcriptomic data and STEM analyses indicated that PeHAKs were involved in tissue and organ development, rapid growth, and responded to different abiotic stress conditions. Subcellular localization analysis demonstrated that PeHAKs are predominantly expressed at the cell membrane. In-situ PCR experiments confirmed that PeHAK was mainly expressed in the lateral root primordia. Furthermore, the involvement of PeHAKs in potassium ion transport was confirmed by studying the potassium ion transport properties of a yeast mutant. Additionally, through homology modeling, we revealed the structural properties of HAK as a transmembrane protein associated with potassium ion transport. This research provides a solid basis for understanding the classification, characterization, and functional analysis of the PeHAK family in Moso bamboo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Guo
- Bamboo Industry Institute, State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiaqi Tan
- Bamboo Industry Institute, State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Bamboo Industry Institute, State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bing Huang
- Bamboo Industry Institute, State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruifang Ma
- Bamboo Industry Institute, State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Muthusamy Ramakrishnan
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Bamboo Research Institute, Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Subtropical Forest Biodiversity Conservation, College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guoning Qi
- Bamboo Industry Institute, State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhijun Zhang
- Bamboo Industry Institute, State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ackad EM, Biggers L, Meister M, Kontoyianni M. Equilibrium landscape of ingress/egress channels and gating residues of the Cytochrome P450 3A4. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298424. [PMID: 38498575 PMCID: PMC10947690 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes metabolize a variety of drugs, which may potentially lead to toxicity or reduced efficacy when drugs are co-administered. These drug-drug interactions are often manifested by CYP3A4, the most prevalent of all CYP isozymes. We carried out multiple MD simulations employing CAVER to quantify the channels, and Hidden Markov Models (HMM) to characterize the behavior of the gating residues. We discuss channel properties, bottleneck residues with respect to their likelihood to deem the respective channel ingress or egress, gating residues regarding their open or closed states, and channel location relative to the membrane. Channels do not display coordinated motion and randomly transition between different conformations. Gateway residues also behave in a random fashion. Our findings shed light on the equilibrium behavior of the gating residues and channels in the apo state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward Michael Ackad
- Department of Physics, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, United States of America
| | - Laurence Biggers
- Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States of America
| | - Mary Meister
- University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Maria Kontoyianni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Karle SB, Kumar K. Rice tonoplast intrinsic protein member OsTIP1;2 confers tolerance to arsenite stress. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133078. [PMID: 38056278 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The International Agency for Research on Cancer categorizes arsenic (As) as a group I carcinogen. Arsenic exposure significantly reduces growth, development, metabolism, and crop yield. Tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs) belong to the major intrinsic protein (MIP) superfamily and transport various substrates, including metals/metalloids. Our study aimed to characterize rice OsTIP1;2 in As[III] stress response. The gene expression analysis showed that the OsTIP1;2 expression was enhanced in roots on exposure to As[III] treatment. The heterologous expression of OsTIP1;2 in S. cerevisiae mutant lacking YCF1 (ycf1∆) complemented the As[III] transport function of the YCF1 transporter but not for boron (B) and arsenate As[V], indicating its substrate selective nature. The ycf1∆ mutant expressing OsTIP1;2 accumulated more As than the wild type (W303-1A) and ycf1∆ mutant strain carrying the pYES2.1 vector. OsTIP1;2 activity was partially inhibited in the presence of the aquaporin (AQP) inhibitors. The subcellular localization studies confirmed that OsTIP1;2 is localized to the tonoplast. The transient overexpression of OsTIP1;2 in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves resulted in increased activities of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, suggesting a potential role in mitigating oxidative stress induced by As[III]. The transgenic N. tabacum overexpressing OsTIP1;2 displayed an As[III]-tolerant phenotype, with increased fresh weight and root length than the wild-type (WT) and empty vector (EV line). The As translocation factor (TF) for WT and EV was around 0.8, while that of OE lines was around 0.4. Moreover, the OE line bioconcentration factor (BCF) was more than 1. Notably, the reduced TF and increased BCF in the OE line imply the potential of OsTIP1;2 for phytostabilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suhas Balasaheb Karle
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus, Goa 403726, India
| | - Kundan Kumar
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus, Goa 403726, India.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sousa AD, Costa AL, Costa V, Pereira C. Prediction and biological analysis of yeast VDAC1 phosphorylation. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 753:109914. [PMID: 38290597 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109914] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The mitochondrial outer membrane protein porin 1 (Por1), the yeast orthologue of mammalian voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), is the major permeability pathway for the flux of metabolites and ions between cytosol and mitochondria. In yeast, several Por1 phosphorylation sites have been identified. Protein phosphorylation is a major modification regulating a variety of biological activities, but the potential biological roles of Por1 phosphorylation remains unaddressed. In this work, we analysed 10 experimentally observed phosphorylation sites in yeast Por1 using bioinformatics tools. Two of the residues, T100 and S133, predicted to reduce and increase pore permeability, respectively, were validated using biological assays. In accordance, Por1T100D reduced mitochondrial respiration, while Por1S133E phosphomimetic mutant increased it. Por1T100A expression also improved respiratory growth, while Por1S133A caused defects in all growth conditions tested, notably in fermenting media. In conclusion, we found phosphorylation has the potential to modulate Por1, causing a marked effect on mitochondrial function. It can also impact on cell morphology and growth both in respiratory and, unpredictably, also in fermenting conditions, expanding our knowledge on the role of Por1 in cell physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André D Sousa
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Portugal; IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Luisa Costa
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Portugal; IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Vítor Costa
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Portugal; IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade do Porto, Portugal; ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Clara Pereira
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Portugal; IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade do Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kim SM, Kang SH, Jeon BW, Kim YH. Tunnel engineering of gas-converting enzymes for inhibitor retardation and substrate acceleration. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 394:130248. [PMID: 38158090 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.130248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH), formate dehydrogenase (FDH), hydrogenase (H2ase), and nitrogenase (N2ase) are crucial enzymatic catalysts that facilitate the conversion of industrially significant gases such as CO, CO2, H2, and N2. The tunnels in the gas-converting enzymes serve as conduits for these low molecular weight gases to access deeply buried catalytic sites. The identification of the substrate tunnels is imperative for comprehending the substrate selectivity mechanism underlying these gas-converting enzymes. This knowledge also holds substantial value for industrial applications, particularly in addressing the challenges associated with separation and utilization of byproduct gases. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the emerging field of tunnel engineering, presenting a range of approaches and analyses. Additionally, we propose methodologies for the systematic design of enzymes, with the ultimate goal of advancing protein engineering strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suk Min Kim
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 50 UNIST-gil, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sung Heuck Kang
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 50 UNIST-gil, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Wook Jeon
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 50 UNIST-gil, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Hwan Kim
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 50 UNIST-gil, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea; Graduate School of Carbon Neutrality, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 50 UNIST-gil, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Berhanu S, Majumder S, Müntener T, Whitehouse J, Berner C, Bera AK, Kang A, Liang B, Khan GN, Sankaran B, Tamm LK, Brockwell DJ, Hiller S, Radford SE, Baker D, Vorobieva AA. Sculpting conducting nanopore size and shape through de novo protein design. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.20.572500. [PMID: 38187764 PMCID: PMC10769293 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.20.572500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Transmembrane β-barrels (TMBs) are widely used for single molecule DNA and RNA sequencing and have considerable potential for a broad range of sensing and sequencing applications. Current engineering approaches for nanopore sensors are limited to naturally occurring channels such as CsgG, which have evolved to carry out functions very different from sensing, and hence provide sub-optimal starting points. In contrast, de novo protein design can in principle create an unlimited number of new nanopores with any desired properties. Here we describe a general approach to the design of transmembrane β-barrel pores with different diameter and pore geometry. NMR and crystallographic characterization shows that the designs are stably folded with structures close to the design models. We report the first examples of de novo designed TMBs with 10, 12 and 14 stranded β-barrels. The designs have distinct conductances that correlate with their pore diameter, ranging from 110 pS (~0.5 nm pore diameter) to 430 pS (~1.1 nm pore diameter), and can be converted into sensitive small-molecule sensors with high signal to noise ratio. The capability to generate on demand β-barrel pores of defined geometry opens up fundamentally new opportunities for custom engineering of sequencing and sensing technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Berhanu
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sagardip Majumder
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - James Whitehouse
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT
| | - Carolin Berner
- Structural Biology Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- VUB-VIB Center for Structural Biology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Asim K. Bera
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alex Kang
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Binyong Liang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics and Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - G Nasir Khan
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT
| | - Banumathi Sankaran
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Lukas K. Tamm
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics and Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - David J. Brockwell
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT
| | | | - Sheena E. Radford
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT
| | - David Baker
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Anastassia A. Vorobieva
- Structural Biology Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- VUB-VIB Center for Structural Biology, Brussels, Belgium
- VIB Center for AI and Computational Biology, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Spafford JD. A governance of ion selectivity based on the occupancy of the "beacon" in one- and four-domain calcium and sodium channels. Channels (Austin) 2023; 17:2191773. [PMID: 37075164 PMCID: PMC10120453 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2023.2191773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
One of nature's exceptions was discovered when a Cav3 T-type channel was observed to switch phenotype from a calcium channel into a sodium channel by neutralizing an aspartate residue in the high field strength (HFS) +1 position within the ion selectivity filter. The HFS+1 site is dubbed a "beacon" for its location at the entryway just above the constricted, minimum radius of the HFS site's electronegative ring. A classification is proposed based on the occupancy of the HFS+1 "beacon" which correlates with the calcium- or sodium-selectivity phenotype. If the beacon is a glycine, or neutral, non-glycine residue, then the cation channel is calcium-selective or sodium-permeable, respectively (Class I). Occupancy of a beacon aspartate are calcium-selective channels (Class II) or possessing a strong calcium block (Class III). A residue lacking in position of the sequence alignment for the beacon are sodium channels (Class IV). The extent to which animal channels are sodium-selective is dictated in the occupancy of the HFS site with a lysine residue (Class III/IV). Governance involving the beacon solves the quandary the HFS site as a basis for ion selectivity, where an electronegative ring of glutamates at the HFS site generates a sodium-selective channel in one-domain channels but generates a calcium-selective channel in four-domain channels. Discovery of a splice variant in an exceptional channel revealed nature's exploits, highlighting the "beacon" as a principal determinant for calcium and sodium selectivity, encompassing known ion channels composed of one and four domains, from bacteria to animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J David Spafford
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Oliveira MC, Cordeiro RM, Bogaerts A. Effect of lipid oxidation on the channel properties of Cx26 hemichannels: A molecular dynamics study. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 746:109741. [PMID: 37689256 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109741] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Intercellular communication plays a crucial role in cancer, as well as other diseases, such as inflammation, tissue degeneration, and neurological disorders. One of the proteins responsible for this, are connexins (Cxs), which come together to form a hemichannel. When two hemichannels of opposite cells interact with each other, they form a gap junction (GJ) channel, connecting the intracellular space of these cells. They allow the passage of ions, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), and signaling molecules from the interior of one cell to another cell, thus playing an essential role in cell growth, differentiation, and homeostasis. The importance of GJs for disease induction and therapy development is becoming more appreciated, especially in the context of oncology. Studies have shown that one of the mechanisms to control the formation and disruption of GJs is mediated by lipid oxidation pathways, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we performed atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to evaluate how lipid oxidation influences the channel properties of Cx26 hemichannels, such as channel gating and permeability. Our results demonstrate that the Cx26 hemichannel is more compact in the presence of oxidized lipids, decreasing its pore diameter at the extracellular side and increasing it at the amino terminus domains, respectively. The permeability of the Cx26 hemichannel for water and RONS molecules is higher in the presence of oxidized lipids. The latter may facilitate the intracellular accumulation of RONS, possibly increasing oxidative stress in cells. A better understanding of this process will help to enhance the efficacy of oxidative stress-based cancer treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Oliveira
- Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine-Antwerp (PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Rodrigo M Cordeiro
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Avenida dos Estados 5001, CEP 09210-580, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Annemie Bogaerts
- Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine-Antwerp (PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Vaziriyeganeh M, Khan S, Zwiazek JJ. Analysis of aquaporins in northern grasses reveal functional importance of Puccinellia nuttalliana PIP2;2 in salt tolerance. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2023; 46:2159-2173. [PMID: 37051679 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
To better understand the roles of aquaporins in salt tolerance, we cloned PIP2;1, PIP2;2, PIP2;3, PIP1;1, PIP1;3, and TIP1;1 aquaporins from three northern grasses varying is salt tolerance including the halophytic grass Puccinellia nuttalliana, moderately salt tolerant Poa juncifolia, and relatively salt sensitive Poa pratensis. We analysed aquaporin expression in roots by exposing the plants to 0 and 150 mM for 6 days in hydroponic culture. NaCl treatment upregulated several PIP transcripts in P. nuttalliana while decreasing PnuTIP1;1. The PnuPIP2;2 transcripts increased by about six-fold in P. nuttalliana, two-fold in Poa juncifolia, and did not change in Poa pratensis. The NaCl treatment enhanced the rate of water transport in yeast expressing PnuPIP2;2 by 56% compared with control. PnuPIP2,2 expression also resulted in a higher Na+ uptake in yeast cells compared with an empty vector suggesting that PnuPIP2;2 may have both water and ion transporting functions. Structural analysis revealed that the transport properties of PnuPIP2;2 could be affected by its unique pore characteristics, which include a combination of hourglass, cylindrical, and increasing diameter conical entrance shape with pore hydropathy of -0.22.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shanjida Khan
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Janusz J Zwiazek
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Vinutha AS, Rajasekaran R. Insight on the mechanism of hexameric Pseudin-4 against bacterial membrane-mimetic environment. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2023:10.1007/s10822-023-00516-2. [PMID: 37368161 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-023-00516-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
As an alternative to antibiotics, Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) possess unique properties including cationic, amphipathic and their abundance in nature, but the exact characteristics of AMPs against bacterial membranes are still undetermined. To estimate the structural stability and functional activity of AMPs, the Pseudin AMPs (Pse-1, Pse-2, Pse-3, and Pse-4) from Hylid frog species, Pseudis paradoxa, an abundantly discovered source for AMPs were examined. We studied the intra-peptide interactions and thermal denaturation stability of peptides, as well as the geometrical parameters and secondary structure profiles of their conformational trajectories. On this basis, the peptides were screened out and the highly stable peptide, Pse-4 was subjected to membrane simulation in order to observe the changes in membrane curvature formed by Pse-4 insertion. Monomeric Pse-4 was found to initiate the membrane disruption; however, a stable multimeric form of Pse-4 might be competent to counterbalance the helix-coil transition and to resist the hydrophobic membrane environment. Eventually, hexameric Pse-4 on membrane simulation exhibited the hydrogen bond formation with E. coli bacterial membrane and thereby, leading to the formation of membrane spanning pore that allowed the entry of excess water molecules into the membrane shell, thus causing membrane deformation. Our report points out the mechanism of Pse-4 peptide against the bacterial membrane for the first time. Relatively, Pse-4 works on the barrel stave model against E. coli bacterial membrane; hence it might act as a good therapeutic scaffold in the treatment of multi-drug resistant bacterial strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A S Vinutha
- Quantitative Biology Lab, Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT, Deemed to be University), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - R Rajasekaran
- Quantitative Biology Lab, Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT, Deemed to be University), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Comparative Modelling of Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptides: Structural Insights and Comparison of Binding Modes. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238531. [PMID: 36500622 PMCID: PMC9738416 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
To better understand the functionality of organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) and to design new ligands, reliable structural data of each OATP is needed. In this work, we used a combination of homology model with molecular dynamics simulations to generate a comprehensive structural dataset, that encompasses a diverse set of OATPs but also their relevant conformations. Our OATP models share a conserved transmembrane helix folding harbouring a druggable binding pocket in the shape of an inner pore. Our simulations suggest that the conserved salt bridges at the extracellular region between residues on TM1 and TM7 might influence the entrance of substrates. Interactions between residues on TM1 and TM4 within OATP1 family shown their importance in transport of substrates. Additionally, in transmembrane (TM) 1/2, a known conserved element, interact with two identified motifs in the TM7 and TM11. Our simulations suggest that TM1/2-TM7 interaction influence the inner pocket accessibility, while TM1/2-TM11 salt bridges control the substrate binding stability.
Collapse
|
14
|
Jaradat R, Li X, Chen H, Stathopulos PB, Bai D. The Hydrophobic Residues in Amino Terminal Domains of Cx46 and Cx50 Are Important for Their Gap Junction Channel Ion Permeation and Gating. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911605. [PMID: 36232905 PMCID: PMC9570504 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Lens gap junctions (GJs) formed by Cx46 and Cx50 are important to keep lens transparency. Functional studies on Cx46 and Cx50 GJs showed that the Vj-gating, single channel conductance (γj), gating polarity, and/or channel open stability could be modified by the charged residues in the amino terminal (NT) domain. The role of hydrophobic residues in the NT on GJ properties is not clear. Crystal and cryo-EM GJ structures have been resolved, but the NT domain structure has either not been resolved or has showed very different orientations depending on the component connexins and possibly other experimental conditions, making it difficult to understand the structural basis of the NT in Vj-gating and γj. Here, we generated missense variants in Cx46 and Cx50 NT domains and studied their properties by recombinant expression and dual whole-cell patch clamp experiments on connexin-deficient N2A cells. The NT variants (Cx46 L10I, N13E, A14V, Q15N, and Cx50 I10L, E13N, V14A, N15Q) were all able to form functional GJs with similar coupling%, except Cx46 N13E, which showed a significantly reduced coupling%. The GJs of Cx46 N13E, A14V and Cx50 E13N, N15Q showed a reduced coupling conductance. Vj-gating of all the variant GJs were similar to the corresponding wild-type GJs except Cx46 L10I. The γj of Cx46 N13E, A14V, Cx50 E13N, and N15Q GJs was reduced to 51%, 82%, 87%, and 74%, respectively, as compared to their wild-type γjs. Structural models of Cx46 L10I and A14V predicted steric clashes between these residues and the TM2 residues, which might be partially responsible for our observed changes in GJ properties. To verify the importance of hydrophobic interactions, we generated a variant, Cx50 S89T, which also shows a steric clash and failed to form a functional GJ. Our experimental results and structure models indicate that hydrophobic interactions between the NT and TM2 domain are important for their Vj-gating, γj, and channel open stability in these and possibly other GJs.
Collapse
|
15
|
Mitra D, Das Mohapatra PK. In silico comparative structural and compositional analysis of glycoproteins of RSV to study the nature of stability and transmissibility of RSV A. SYSTEMS MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOMANUFACTURING 2022; 3:312-327. [PMID: 38013803 PMCID: PMC9135598 DOI: 10.1007/s43393-022-00110-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The current scenario of COVID-19 makes us to think about the devastating diseases that kill so many people every year. Analysis of viral proteins contributes many things that are utterly useful in the evolution of therapeutic drugs and vaccines. In this study, sequence and structure of fusion glycoproteins and major surface glycoproteins of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were analysed to reveal the stability and transmission rate. RSV A has the highest abundance of aromatic residues. The Kyte-Doolittle scale indicates the hydrophilic nature of RSV A protein which leads to the higher transmission rate of this virus. Intra-protein interactions such as carbonyl interactions, cation-pi, and salt bridges were shown to be greater in RSV A compared to RSV B, which might lead to improved stability. This study discovered the presence of a network aromatic-sulphur interaction in viral proteins. Analysis of ligand binding pocket of RSV proteins indicated that drugs are performing better on RSV B than RSV A. It was also shown that increasing the number of tunnels in RSV A proteins boosts catalytic activity. This study will be helpful in drug discovery and vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Mitra
- Department of Microbiology, Raiganj University, Raiganj, WB India
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Whyte-Fagundes P, Taskina D, Safarian N, Zoidl C, Carlen PL, Donaldson LW, Zoidl GR. Panx1 channels promote both anti- and pro-seizure-like activities in the zebrafish via p2rx7 receptors and ATP signaling. Commun Biol 2022; 5:472. [PMID: 35585187 PMCID: PMC9117279 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03356-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms of excitation/inhibition imbalances promoting seizure generation in epilepsy patients are not fully understood. Evidence suggests that Pannexin1 (Panx1), an ATP release channel, modulates the excitability of the brain. In this report, we performed electrophysiological, behavioral, and molecular phenotyping experiments on zebrafish larvae bearing genetic or pharmacological knockouts of Panx1a and Panx1b channels, each homologous to human PANX1. When Panx1a function is lost, or both channels are under pharmacological blockade, seizures with ictal-like events and seizure-like locomotion are reduced in the presence of pentylenetetrazol. Transcriptome profiling by RNA-seq demonstrates a spectrum of distinct metabolic and cell signaling states which correlate with the loss of Panx1a. Furthermore, the pro- and anticonvulsant activities of both Panx1 channels affect ATP release and involve the purinergic receptor P2rx7. Our findings suggest a subfunctionalization of Panx1 enabling dual roles in seizures, providing a unique and comprehensive perspective to understanding seizure mechanisms in the context of this channel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paige Whyte-Fagundes
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, M3J1P3, Canada.
- Center of Vision Research (CVR), York University, Toronto, ON, M3J1P3, Canada.
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T 1M8, Canada.
| | - Daria Taskina
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, M3J1P3, Canada
- Center of Vision Research (CVR), York University, Toronto, ON, M3J1P3, Canada
| | - Nickie Safarian
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, M3J1P3, Canada
- Center of Vision Research (CVR), York University, Toronto, ON, M3J1P3, Canada
| | - Christiane Zoidl
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, M3J1P3, Canada
- Center of Vision Research (CVR), York University, Toronto, ON, M3J1P3, Canada
| | - Peter L Carlen
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T 1M8, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Physiology and BME, University of Toronto, 399 Bathurst St., 5w442, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada
| | | | - Georg R Zoidl
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, M3J1P3, Canada.
- Center of Vision Research (CVR), York University, Toronto, ON, M3J1P3, Canada.
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T 1M8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sowlati-Hashjin S, Gandhi A, Garton M. Dawn of a New Era for Membrane Protein Design. BIODESIGN RESEARCH 2022; 2022:9791435. [PMID: 37850134 PMCID: PMC10521746 DOI: 10.34133/2022/9791435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
A major advancement has recently occurred in the ability to predict protein secondary structure from sequence using artificial neural networks. This new accessibility to high-quality predicted structures provides a big opportunity for the protein design community. It is particularly welcome for membrane protein design, where the scarcity of solved structures has been a major limitation of the field for decades. Here, we review the work done to date on the membrane protein design and set out established and emerging tools that can be used to most effectively exploit this new access to structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahin Sowlati-Hashjin
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 3E2
| | - Aanshi Gandhi
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 3E2
| | - Michael Garton
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 3E2
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
|
19
|
A Lumenal Loop Associated with Catalytic Asymmetry in Plant Vacuolar H +-Translocating Pyrophosphatase. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312902. [PMID: 34884707 PMCID: PMC8657866 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane-integral inorganic pyrophosphatases (mPPases) couple pyrophosphate hydrolysis with H+ and Na+ pumping in plants and microbes. mPPases are homodimeric transporters with two catalytic sites facing the cytoplasm and demonstrating highly different substrate-binding affinities and activities. The structural aspects of the functional asymmetry are still poorly understood because the structure of the physiologically relevant dimer form with only one active site occupied by the substrate is unknown. We addressed this issue by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the H+-transporting mPPase of Vigna radiata, starting from its crystal structure containing a close substrate analog (imidodiphosphate, IDP) in both active sites. The MD simulations revealed pre-existing subunit asymmetry, which increased upon IDP binding to one subunit and persisted in the fully occupied dimer. The most significant asymmetrical change caused by IDP binding is a ‘rigid body’-like displacement of the lumenal loop connecting α-helices 2 and 3 in the partner subunit and opening its exit channel for water. This highly conserved 14–19-residue loop is found only in plant vacuolar mPPases and may have a regulatory function, such as pH sensing in the vacuole. Our data define the structural link between the loop and active sites and are consistent with the published structural and functional data.
Collapse
|
20
|
Singh G, Akhter Y. Molecular insights into the differential efflux mechanism of Rv1634 protein, a multidrug transporter of major facilitator superfamily in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Proteins 2021; 90:566-578. [PMID: 34601761 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Currently, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a public health crisis and a major health security threat globally. In Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), major facilitator superfamily (MFS) is the largest group of secondary active transporters. Along with the transport of their natural substrates, MFS proteins were involved in a drug efflux mechanism that ultimately lead to resistance against available anti-TB drugs in Mtb. In the present study, the three-dimensional structure model of an MFS protein, Rv1634, a probable multidrug transporter from Mtb, was generated using homology modeling. The protein structure model was found in inward-open conformation having 14 transmembrane helices. In addition, a central transport channel was deduced across the protein, and a single binding pocket was identified halfway through the central cavity by structural alignment with the homologous protein structures. Further, Rv1634 protein was studied based on the differential structural behavior of apo and ligand-bound forms. All the protein systems were inserted into a phospholipid bilayer to characterize the conformational dynamics of the protein using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Detailed analysis of the MD trajectories showed the diverse substrate specificity of the binding pocket for the antibiotics that caused differential movement in the ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin, to which Mtb strains have now become resistant. The expulsion of the drugs outside the bacterial cell occurs through the alternating-access mechanism of N and C-terminal domains, which is intriguing and essential to the understanding the drug resistance mechanism in pathogenic bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Garima Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Yusuf Akhter
- Department of Biotechnology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lara Ortiz MT, Martinell García V, Del Rio G. Saturation Mutagenesis of the Transmembrane Region of HokC in Escherichia coli Reveals Its High Tolerance to Mutations. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910359. [PMID: 34638709 PMCID: PMC8509063 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells adapt to different stress conditions, such as the antibiotics presence. This adaptation sometimes is achieved by changing relevant protein positions, of which the mutability is limited by structural constrains. Understanding the basis of these constrains represent an important challenge for both basic science and potential biotechnological applications. To study these constraints, we performed a systematic saturation mutagenesis of the transmembrane region of HokC, a toxin used by Escherichia coli to control its own population, and observed that 92% of single-point mutations are tolerated and that all the non-tolerated mutations have compensatory mutations that reverse their effect. We provide experimental evidence that HokC accumulates multiple compensatory mutations that are found as correlated mutations in the HokC family multiple sequence alignment. In agreement with these observations, transmembrane proteins show higher probability to present correlated mutations and are less densely packed locally than globular proteins; previous mutagenesis results on transmembrane proteins further support our observations on the high tolerability to mutations of transmembrane regions of proteins. Thus, our experimental results reveal the HokC transmembrane region high tolerance to loss-of-function mutations that is associated with low sequence conservation and high rate of correlated mutations in the HokC family sequences alignment, which are features shared with other transmembrane proteins.
Collapse
|
22
|
Identification of key residues for efficient glucose transport by the hexose transporter CgHxt4 in high sugar fermentation yeast Candida glycerinogenes. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:7295-7307. [PMID: 34515842 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11567-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Efficient hexose transporters are essential for the development of industrial yeast strains with high fermentation performance. We previously identified a hexose transporter, CgHxt4, with excellent sugar uptake performance at ultra-high glucose concentrations (200 g/L) in the high sugar fermenting yeast C. glycerinogenes. To understand the working mechanism of this transporter, we constructed 87 mutants and examined their glucose uptake performance. The results revealed that five residues (N321, N322, F325, G426, and P427) are essential for the efficient glucose transport of CgHxt4. Subsequently, we focused our analysis on the roles of N321 and P427. Specifically, N321 and P427 are likely to play a role in glucose coordination and conformational flexibility, respectively. Our results help to expand the application potential of this transporter and provide insights into the working mechanism of yeast hexose transporter. KEY POINTS: • Five residues, transmembrane segments 7 and 10, were found to be essential for CgHxt4. • N321 and P427 are likely to play a role in glucose coordination and conformational flexibility, respectively. • Chimeric CgHxt5.4TM7 significantly enhanced the performance of CgHxt5.
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhou T, Wang H, Zeng C, Zhao Y. RPocket: an intuitive database of RNA pocket topology information with RNA-ligand data resources. BMC Bioinformatics 2021; 22:428. [PMID: 34496744 PMCID: PMC8424408 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-021-04349-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background RNA regulates a variety of biological functions by interacting with other molecules. The ligand often binds in the RNA pocket to trigger structural changes or functions. Thus, it is essential to explore and visualize the RNA pocket to elucidate the structural and recognition mechanism for the RNA-ligand complex formation. Results In this work, we developed one user-friendly bioinformatics tool, RPocket. This database provides geometrical size, centroid, shape, secondary structure element for RNA pocket, RNA-ligand interaction information, and functional sites. We extracted 240 RNA pockets from 94 non-redundant RNA-ligand complex structures. We developed RPDescriptor to calculate the pocket geometrical property quantitatively. The geometrical information was then subjected to RNA-ligand binding analysis by incorporating the sequence, secondary structure, and geometrical combinations. This new approach takes advantage of both the atom-level precision of the structure and the nucleotide-level tertiary interactions. The results show that the higher-level topological pattern indeed improves the tertiary structure prediction. We also proposed a potential mechanism for RNA-ligand complex formation. The electrostatic interactions are responsible for long-range recognition, while the Van der Waals and hydrophobic contacts for short-range binding and optimization. These interaction pairs can be considered as distance constraints to guide complex structural modeling and drug design. Conclusion RPocket database would facilitate RNA-ligand engineering to regulate the complex formation for biological or medical applications. RPocket is available at http://zhaoserver.com.cn/RPocket/RPocket.html. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12859-021-04349-4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhou
- Department of Physics, Institute of Biophysics, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Huiwen Wang
- Department of Physics, Institute of Biophysics, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Chen Zeng
- Department of Physics, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Yunjie Zhao
- Department of Physics, Institute of Biophysics, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhang M, Yang H, Zhu F, Xu R, Cheng Y. Transcript profiles analysis of citrus aquaporins in response to fruit water loss during storage. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2021; 23:819-830. [PMID: 33797834 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Water loss is an essential factor that affects the maintenance of quality of citrus fruit during postharvest handling and storage. Aquaporins (AQPs) play an important role in the transport of water across membranes. However, the expression profiling of AQPs is incomplete for citrus fruits during storage. In this study, a post-harvest storage experiment was performed using sweet orange fruits to determine changes in water loss and fruit quality. Also, genome-wide expression analysis of CsAQP genes was carried out in fruit of different citrus varieties during storage. Low humidity storage conditions accelerated the postharvest water loss and texture decline and increased the TSS content in the fruit. A total of 39 non-redundant CsAQP genes were identified. A comprehensive analysis of these genes demonstrated that all AQPs had conserved filter motifs in the different citrus varieties examined. Moreover, multiple expression analysis revealed AQPs had complex expression profiles upon water loss in citrus fruit, being time-specific in tight-skin varieties (orange and pomelo varieties), tissue-specific between peel and pulp, and variety-specific between loose-skin (mandarin varieties) and tight-skin varieties (such as sweet orange and pummelo). These results indicated that the relative humidity in storage environment affected the postharvest water loss and quality of citrus fruit. Besides, the alternation in AQPs expression may partially account for the different water loss ratio in citrus varieties and the transfer of water between the peel and the pulp of citrus fruit during storage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Zhang
- National R&D Centre for Citrus Preservation, Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Forestry Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - H Yang
- National R&D Centre for Citrus Preservation, Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Forestry Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - F Zhu
- National R&D Centre for Citrus Preservation, Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Forestry Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - R Xu
- National R&D Centre for Citrus Preservation, Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Forestry Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Y Cheng
- National R&D Centre for Citrus Preservation, Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Forestry Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Gratz R, Ahmad I, Svennerstam H, Jämtgård S, Love J, Holmlund M, Ivanov R, Ganeteg U. Organic nitrogen nutrition: LHT1.2 protein from hybrid aspen (Populus tremula L. x tremuloides Michx) is a functional amino acid transporter and a homolog of Arabidopsis LHT1. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 41:1479-1496. [PMID: 33631788 PMCID: PMC8359683 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpab029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The contribution of amino acids (AAs) to soil nitrogen (N) fluxes is higher than previously thought. The fact that AA uptake is pivotal for N nutrition in boreal ecosystems highlights plant AA transporters as key components of the N cycle. At the same time, very little is known about AA transport and respective transporters in trees. Tree genomes may contain 13 or more genes encoding the lysine histidine transporter (LHT) family proteins, and this complicates the study of their significance for tree N-use efficiency. With the strategy of obtaining a tool to study N-use efficiency, our aim was to identify and characterize a relevant AA transporter in hybrid aspen (Populus tremula L. x tremuloides Michx.). We identified PtrLHT1.2, the closest homolog of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh AtLHT1, which is expressed in leaves, stems and roots. Complementation of a yeast AA uptake mutant verified the function of PtrLHT1.2 as an AA transporter. Furthermore, PtrLHT1.2 was able to fully complement the phenotypes of the Arabidopsis AA uptake mutant lht1 aap5, including early leaf senescence-like phenotype, reduced growth, decreased plant N levels and reduced root AA uptake. Amino acid uptake studies finally showed that PtrLHT1.2 is a high affinity transporter for neutral and acidic AAs. Thus, we identified a functional AtLHT1 homolog in hybrid aspen, which harbors the potential to enhance overall plant N levels and hence increase biomass production. This finding provides a valuable tool for N nutrition studies in trees and opens new avenues to optimizing tree N-use efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Regina Gratz
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183 Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Iftikhar Ahmad
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Henrik Svennerstam
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sandra Jämtgård
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jonathan Love
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mattias Holmlund
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90183 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Rumen Ivanov
- Institute of Botany, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Paul A, Singh S. Identification of a novel calcium activated potassium channel from Leishmania donovani and in silico predictions of its antigenic features. Acta Trop 2021; 220:105922. [PMID: 33878308 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Visceral Leishmaniasis is a major neglected tropical disease with increasing incidences of drug resistance. This has led to the search for a suitable drug target for chemotherapeutic intervention. Potassium channels are a family of membrane proteins which play a vital role in homeostasis and any perturbation in them alters cell survival which makes them an attractive target. To characterize a calcium-activated potassium channel from Leishmania donovani (LdKCa), a putative ion-channel like protein which showed sequence similarity with other Trypanosoma cruzi putative potassium channels was selected. It was cloned and expressed with a histidine tag. MALDI confirmed that it is a potassium channel. Homology model of LdKCa was generated by I-TASSER. It is a transmembrane protein localized in the plasma membrane as predicted by DeepLoc tool. In silico analyses of the protein showed that it is a small conductance calcium activated potassium channel. Point mutation in conserved signature domain 'TXGYGD' affects the protein function as predicted by heat map analysis. The LdKCa model predicted amino acids S207, T208 and M236 as ligand-binding sites. The sequence HSLRGRSARVIQLAWRLRKARKVGPHAPSLKQKVYTLVLSWLLT was the highest scoring B-cell epitope. The highest scoring T-cell epitope was RLYSVIVYL. This study may provide new insights into antigenicity features of leishmanial calcium-activated potassium channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Paul
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Sushma Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, 160062, Punjab, India.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zhang M, Liu R, Liu H, Yang H, Li X, Wang P, Zhu F, Xu R, Xue S, Cheng Y. Citrus NIP5;1 aquaporin regulates cell membrane water permeability and alters PIPs plasma membrane localization. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 106:449-462. [PMID: 34173150 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-021-01164-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The ER or donut-like structures localized aquaporin NIP5;1, which interacts with PIPs and alters their localization from plasma membrane to donut-like structures, regulates water permeability. NOD26-like intrinsic proteins (NIPs) play important roles in nutrient uptake and response to various stresses. However, there have been few studies of their functions in water transportation in citrus. Here, we demonstrate the functions of a novel citrus NIP aquaporin (CsNIP5;1) via multiple physiological and biochemical experiments. CsNIP5;1 showed high water permeability when expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and yeast. However, subcellular localization assays showed that this protein was localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or donut-like structures in citrus callus and tobacco leaf. Meanwhile, overexpression of CsNIP5;1 led to a reduction in the water permeability of citrus callus. Protein-protein interaction experiments and subcellular localization assays further revealed that CsNIP5;1 physically interacted with PIPs (CsPIP1;1 and AtPIP2;1), which altered their subcellular localization from the plasma membrane to donut-like structures. Together, CsNIP5;1 was identified as a good water channel when expressed in oocytes and yeast. Meanwhile, CsNIP5;1 participated in the regulation of water permeability of citrus callus, which may be associated with CsNIP5;1-induced re-localization of water channels PIPs. In summary, these results provide new insights into the regulatory mechanism of AQPs-mediated water diffusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingfei Zhang
- National R&D Centre for Citrus Preservation, Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Forestry Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruilian Liu
- National R&D Centre for Citrus Preservation, Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Forestry Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Hongbin Yang
- National R&D Centre for Citrus Preservation, Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Forestry Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Li
- National R&D Centre for Citrus Preservation, Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Forestry Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Wang
- National R&D Centre for Citrus Preservation, Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Forestry Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Zhu
- National R&D Centre for Citrus Preservation, Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Forestry Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Rangwei Xu
- National R&D Centre for Citrus Preservation, Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Forestry Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaowu Xue
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yunjiang Cheng
- National R&D Centre for Citrus Preservation, Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Forestry Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Montiel V, Bella R, Michel LYM, Esfahani H, De Mulder D, Robinson EL, Deglasse JP, Tiburcy M, Chow PH, Jonas JC, Gilon P, Steinhorn B, Michel T, Beauloye C, Bertrand L, Farah C, Dei Zotti F, Debaix H, Bouzin C, Brusa D, Horman S, Vanoverschelde JL, Bergmann O, Gilis D, Rooman M, Ghigo A, Geninatti-Crich S, Yool A, Zimmermann WH, Roderick HL, Devuyst O, Balligand JL. Inhibition of aquaporin-1 prevents myocardial remodeling by blocking the transmembrane transport of hydrogen peroxide. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/564/eaay2176. [PMID: 33028705 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aay2176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Pathological remodeling of the myocardium has long been known to involve oxidant signaling, but strategies using systemic antioxidants have generally failed to prevent it. We sought to identify key regulators of oxidant-mediated cardiac hypertrophy amenable to targeted pharmacological therapy. Specific isoforms of the aquaporin water channels have been implicated in oxidant sensing, but their role in heart muscle is unknown. RNA sequencing from human cardiac myocytes revealed that the archetypal AQP1 is a major isoform. AQP1 expression correlates with the severity of hypertrophic remodeling in patients with aortic stenosis. The AQP1 channel was detected at the plasma membrane of human and mouse cardiac myocytes from hypertrophic hearts, where it colocalized with NADPH oxidase-2 and caveolin-3. We show that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), produced extracellularly, is necessary for the hypertrophic response of isolated cardiac myocytes and that AQP1 facilitates the transmembrane transport of H2O2 through its water pore, resulting in activation of oxidant-sensitive kinases in cardiac myocytes. Structural analysis of the amino acid residues lining the water pore of AQP1 supports its permeation by H2O2 Deletion of Aqp1 or selective blockade of the AQP1 intrasubunit pore inhibited H2O2 transport in mouse and human cells and rescued the myocyte hypertrophy in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived engineered heart muscle. Treatment of mice with a clinically approved AQP1 inhibitor, Bacopaside, attenuated cardiac hypertrophy. We conclude that cardiac hypertrophy is mediated by the transmembrane transport of H2O2 by the water channel AQP1 and that inhibitors of AQP1 represent new possibilities for treating hypertrophic cardiomyopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Montiel
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Cliniques Universitaires St Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ramona Bella
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Cliniques Universitaires St Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lauriane Y M Michel
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Cliniques Universitaires St Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hrag Esfahani
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Cliniques Universitaires St Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Delphine De Mulder
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Cliniques Universitaires St Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Emma L Robinson
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KULeuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Philippe Deglasse
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition (EDIN), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Malte Tiburcy
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.,DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Pak Hin Chow
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Jean-Christophe Jonas
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition (EDIN), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Patrick Gilon
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition (EDIN), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Benjamin Steinhorn
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 2115, USA
| | - Thomas Michel
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 2115, USA
| | - Christophe Beauloye
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Pole of Cardiovascular Research (CARD), Cliniques Universitaires St Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luc Bertrand
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Pole of Cardiovascular Research (CARD), Cliniques Universitaires St Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Farah
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Cliniques Universitaires St Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Flavia Dei Zotti
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Cliniques Universitaires St Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Huguette Debaix
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Nephrology (NEFR), Cliniques Universitaires St Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium.,Institute of Physiology, University of Zürich, CH 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Bouzin
- 2IP-IREC Imaging Platform, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Davide Brusa
- Flow Cytometry Platform, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sandrine Horman
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Pole of Cardiovascular Research (CARD), Cliniques Universitaires St Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-Louis Vanoverschelde
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Pole of Cardiovascular Research (CARD), Cliniques Universitaires St Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olaf Bergmann
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany.,Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dimitri Gilis
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (3BIO-BioInfo), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marianne Rooman
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (3BIO-BioInfo), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alessandra Ghigo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Università di Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Yool
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Wolfram H Zimmermann
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.,DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - H Llewelyn Roderick
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KULeuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Olivier Devuyst
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Nephrology (NEFR), Cliniques Universitaires St Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium.,Institute of Physiology, University of Zürich, CH 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Luc Balligand
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Cliniques Universitaires St Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Tyerman SD, McGaughey SA, Qiu J, Yool AJ, Byrt CS. Adaptable and Multifunctional Ion-Conducting Aquaporins. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 72:703-736. [PMID: 33577345 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-081720-013608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Aquaporins function as water and neutral solute channels, signaling hubs, disease virulence factors, and metabolon components. We consider plant aquaporins that transport ions compared to some animal counterparts. These are candidates for important, as yet unidentified, cation and anion channels in plasma, tonoplast, and symbiotic membranes. For those individual isoforms that transport ions, water, and gases, the permeability spans 12 orders of magnitude. This requires tight regulation of selectivity via protein interactions and posttranslational modifications. A phosphorylation-dependent switch between ion and water permeation in AtPIP2;1 might be explained by coupling between the gates of the four monomer water channels and the central pore of the tetramer. We consider the potential for coupling between ion and water fluxes that could form the basis of an electroosmotic transducer. A grand challenge in understanding the roles of ion transporting aquaporins is their multifunctional modes that are dependent on location, stress, time, and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D Tyerman
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, South Australia 5064, Australia; ,
| | - Samantha A McGaughey
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Division of Plant Sciences, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia; ,
| | - Jiaen Qiu
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, South Australia 5064, Australia; ,
| | - Andrea J Yool
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia;
| | - Caitlin S Byrt
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Division of Plant Sciences, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 0200, Australia; ,
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Mundada PS, Ahire ML, Umdale SD, Barmukh RB, Nikam TD, Pable AA, Deshmukh RK, Barvkar VT. Characterization of influx and efflux silicon transporters and understanding their role in the osmotic stress tolerance in finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.). PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2021; 162:677-689. [PMID: 33780741 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2021.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade, silicon (Si) has been widely accepted as a beneficial element for plant growth. The advantages plant derives from the Si are primarily based on the uptake and transport mechanisms. In the present study, the Si uptake regime was studied in finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L). Gaertn.) under controlled and stress conditions. The finger millet can efficiently uptake Si and accumulate it by more than 1% of dry weight in the leaf tissues, thus categorized as a Si accumulator. Subsequent evaluation with the single root assay revealed a three-fold higher Si uptake under osmatic stress than control. These results suggest that Si alleviated the PEG-induced stress by regulating the levels of osmolytes and antioxidant enzymes. Further, to understand the molecular mechanism involved in Si uptake, the Si influx (EcoLsi1 and EcoLsi6) and efflux transporters (EcoLsi2 and EcoLsi3) were identified and characterized. The comparative phylogenomic analysis of the influx transporter EcoLsi1 with other monocots revealed conserved features like aromatic/arginine (Ar/R) selectivity filters and pore morphology. Similarly, Si efflux transporter EcoLsi3 is highly homologous to other annotated efflux transporters. The transcriptome data revealed that the expression of both influx and efflux Si transporters was elevated due to Si supplementation under stress conditions. These findings suggest that stress elevates Si uptake in finger millet, and its transport is also regulated by the Si transporters. The present study will be helpful to better explore Si derived benefits in finger millet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj S Mundada
- Department of Botany, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411 007, Maharashtra, India; Department of Biotechnology, Yashavantrao Chavan Institute of Science, Satara, 415 001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mahendra L Ahire
- Department of Botany, Yashavantrao Chavan Institute of Science, Satara, 415 001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Suraj D Umdale
- Department of Botany, Jaysingpur College, Jaysingpur, 416 101, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rajkumar B Barmukh
- Department of Botany, Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Pune, 411 005, Maharashtra, India
| | - Tukaram D Nikam
- Department of Botany, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411 007, Maharashtra, India
| | - Anupama A Pable
- Department of Microbiology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411 007, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rupesh K Deshmukh
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali, 140 306, Punjab, India
| | - Vitthal T Barvkar
- Department of Botany, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411 007, Maharashtra, India.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hollander M, Rasp D, Aziz M, Helms V. ProPores2: Web Service and Stand-Alone Tool for Identifying, Manipulating, and Visualizing Pores in Protein Structures. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:1555-1559. [PMID: 33844545 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c00154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Surface pockets, cavities, and tunnels in the 3D structures of proteins play integral functional roles such as enabling enzymatic catalysis, ligand binding, or transport of ions or small molecules across biomembranes. ProPores2 facilitates understanding and analysis of these processes by identifying pores and lining residues, determining their axes, and opening closed connections via side-chain rotation. The fast stand-alone tool introduces a novel mode for pore identification, improved axis determination, and additional features such as parallel batch processing and a graphical user interface. The new web service features an integrated and customizable protein viewer with an option to analyze and view more than one structure at once. This feature facilitates side-by-side comparisons of pores in different conformations of the same protein or of identified pores before and after opening gates within the same protein. ProPores2 is freely and publicly available at https://service.bioinformatik.uni-saarland.de/propores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markus Hollander
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarland University, D-66041 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - David Rasp
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarland University, D-66041 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Moomal Aziz
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarland University, D-66041 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Volkhard Helms
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarland University, D-66041 Saarbrücken, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ali E, Saand MA, Khan AR, Shah JM, Feng S, Ming C, Sun P. Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of detoxification efflux carriers (DTX) genes family under abiotic stresses in flax. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2021; 171:483-501. [PMID: 32270877 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The detoxification efflux carriers (DTX)/multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) transporters encompass an ancient gene family of secondary transporters involved in the process of plant detoxification. A genome-wide analysis of these transporters was carried out in order to better understand the transport of secondary metabolites in flaxseed genome (Linum usitassimum). A total of 73 genes coding for DTX/MATE transporters were identified. Gene structure, protein domain and motif organization were found to be notably conserved over the distinct phylogenetic groups, showing the evolutionary significant role of each class. Gene ontology (GO) annotation revealed a link to transporter activities, response to stimulus and localizations. The presence of various hormone and stress-responsive cis-regulatory elements in promoter regions could be directly correlated with the alteration of their transcripts. Tertiary structure showed conservation for pore size and constrains in the pore, which indicate their involvement in the exclusion of toxic substances from the cell. MicroRNA target analysis revealed that LuDTXs genes were targeted by different classes of miRNA families. Twelve LuDTX genes were chosen for further quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis in response to cold, salinity and cadmium stress at 0, 6, 12 and 24 hours after treatment. Altogether, the identified members of the DTX gene family, their expression profile, phylogenetic and miRNAs analysis might provide opportunities for future functional validation of this important gene family in flax.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Essa Ali
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Mumtaz Ali Saand
- Department of Botany, Shah Abdul Latif University, Sindh, 66020, Pakistan
- Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Oil Crops Biology/Coconut Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang, 571339, China
| | - Ali Raza Khan
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | | | - Simin Feng
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Cai Ming
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Peilong Sun
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Nouri-Nejad D, O’Donnell BL, Patil CS, Sanchez-Pupo RE, Johnston D, Sayedyahossein S, Jurcic K, Lau R, Gyenis L, Litchfield DW, Jackson MF, Gloor GB, Penuela S. Pannexin 1 mutation found in melanoma tumor reduces phosphorylation, glycosylation, and trafficking of the channel-forming protein. Mol Biol Cell 2021; 32:376-390. [PMID: 33405952 PMCID: PMC8098850 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e19-10-0585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pannexin 1 (PANX1) is a glycoprotein that forms large pore channels capable of passing ions and metabolites such as ATP for cellular communication. PANX1 has been implicated in many diseases including breast cancer and melanoma, where inhibition or deletion of PANX1 reduced the tumorigenic and metastatic properties of the cancer cells. We interrogated the effect of single amino acid changes in various PANX1 domains using naturally occurring variants reported in cancer patient tumors. We found that a previously reported variant (Q5H) is present in cancer cells, but was not different from the wild type (Q5) in glycosylation, trafficking, or channel function and did not affect cellular properties. We discovered that the Q5H variant is in fact the highly conserved ancestral allele of PANX1 with 89% of humans carrying at least one Q5H allele. Another mutated form Y150F, found in a melanoma patient tumor, prevented phosphorylation at Y150 as well as complex N-glycosylation while increasing intracellular localization. Sarcoma (SRC) is the predicted kinase to phosphorylate the Y150 residue, and its phosphorylation is not likely to be constitutive, but rather dynamically regulated. The Y150 phosphorylation site is the first one reported to play a role in regulating posttranslational modifications and trafficking of PANX1, with potential consequences on its large-pore channel structure and function in melanoma cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Nouri-Nejad
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Brooke L. O’Donnell
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Chetan S. Patil
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T6, Canada
- Kleysen Institute for Advanced Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0Z3, Canada
| | | | - Danielle Johnston
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Samar Sayedyahossein
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Kristina Jurcic
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Rebecca Lau
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Laszlo Gyenis
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - David W. Litchfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Division of Experimental Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Michael F. Jackson
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T6, Canada
- Kleysen Institute for Advanced Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0Z3, Canada
| | - Gregory B. Gloor
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Silvia Penuela
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Division of Experimental Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Planas-Iglesias J, Marques SM, Pinto GP, Musil M, Stourac J, Damborsky J, Bednar D. Computational design of enzymes for biotechnological applications. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 47:107696. [PMID: 33513434 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Enzymes are the natural catalysts that execute biochemical reactions upholding life. Their natural effectiveness has been fine-tuned as a result of millions of years of natural evolution. Such catalytic effectiveness has prompted the use of biocatalysts from multiple sources on different applications, including the industrial production of goods (food and beverages, detergents, textile, and pharmaceutics), environmental protection, and biomedical applications. Natural enzymes often need to be improved by protein engineering to optimize their function in non-native environments. Recent technological advances have greatly facilitated this process by providing the experimental approaches of directed evolution or by enabling computer-assisted applications. Directed evolution mimics the natural selection process in a highly accelerated fashion at the expense of arduous laboratory work and economic resources. Theoretical methods provide predictions and represent an attractive complement to such experiments by waiving their inherent costs. Computational techniques can be used to engineer enzymatic reactivity, substrate specificity and ligand binding, access pathways and ligand transport, and global properties like protein stability, solubility, and flexibility. Theoretical approaches can also identify hotspots on the protein sequence for mutagenesis and predict suitable alternatives for selected positions with expected outcomes. This review covers the latest advances in computational methods for enzyme engineering and presents many successful case studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joan Planas-Iglesias
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5/A13, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sérgio M Marques
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5/A13, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Gaspar P Pinto
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5/A13, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Milos Musil
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5/A13, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic; IT4Innovations Centre of Excellence, Faculty of Information Technology, Brno University of Technology, 61266 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Stourac
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5/A13, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Damborsky
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5/A13, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - David Bednar
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5/A13, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Van Campenhout R, Muyldermans S, Vinken M, Devoogdt N, De Groof TW. Therapeutic Nanobodies Targeting Cell Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins: A High-Risk/High-Gain Endeavor. Biomolecules 2021; 11:63. [PMID: 33418902 PMCID: PMC7825061 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell plasma membrane proteins are considered as gatekeepers of the cell and play a major role in regulating various processes. Transport proteins constitute a subclass of cell plasma membrane proteins enabling the exchange of molecules and ions between the extracellular environment and the cytosol. A plethora of human pathologies are associated with the altered expression or dysfunction of cell plasma membrane transport proteins, making them interesting therapeutic drug targets. However, the search for therapeutics is challenging, since many drug candidates targeting cell plasma membrane proteins fail in (pre)clinical testing due to inadequate selectivity, specificity, potency or stability. These latter characteristics are met by nanobodies, which potentially renders them eligible therapeutics targeting cell plasma membrane proteins. Therefore, a therapeutic nanobody-based strategy seems a valid approach to target and modulate the activity of cell plasma membrane transport proteins. This review paper focuses on methodologies to generate cell plasma membrane transport protein-targeting nanobodies, and the advantages and pitfalls while generating these small antibody-derivatives, and discusses several therapeutic nanobodies directed towards transmembrane proteins, including channels and pores, adenosine triphosphate-powered pumps and porters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raf Van Campenhout
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (R.V.C.); (M.V.)
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (R.V.C.); (M.V.)
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Timo W.M. De Groof
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Bier I, Marom N. Machine Learned Model for Solid Form Volume Estimation Based on Packing-Accessible Surface and Molecular Topological Fragments. J Phys Chem A 2020; 124:10330-10345. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.0c06791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Imanuel Bier
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Noa Marom
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Department of Physics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Insights on the Quest for the Structure-Function Relationship of the Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9110407. [PMID: 33227948 PMCID: PMC7699257 DOI: 10.3390/biology9110407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary The atomic structure of a biological macromolecule determines its function. Discovering how one or more amino acid chains fold and interact to form a protein complex is critical, from understanding the most fundamental cellular processes to developing new therapies. However, this is far from a straightforward task, especially when studying a membrane protein. The functional link between the oligomeric state and complex composition of the proteins involved in the active mitochondrial transport of cytosolic pyruvate is a decades-old question but remains urgent. We present a brief historical review beginning with the identification of the so-called mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) proteins, followed by a rigorous conceptual analysis of technical approaches in more recent biochemical studies that seek to isolate and reconstitute the functional MPC complex(es) in vitro. We correlate these studies with early kinetic observations and current experimental and computational knowledge to assess their main contributions, identify gaps, resolve ambiguities, and better define the research goal. Abstract The molecular identity of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) was presented in 2012, forty years after the active transport of cytosolic pyruvate into the mitochondrial matrix was first demonstrated. An impressive amount of in vivo and in vitro studies has since revealed an unexpected interplay between one, two, or even three protein subunits defining different functional MPC assemblies in a metabolic-specific context. These have clear implications in cell homeostasis and disease, and on the development of future therapies. Despite intensive efforts by different research groups using state-of-the-art computational tools and experimental techniques, MPCs’ structure-based mechanism remains elusive. Here, we review the current state of knowledge concerning MPCs’ molecular structures by examining both earlier and recent studies and presenting novel data to identify the regulatory, structural, and core transport activities to each of the known MPC subunits. We also discuss the potential application of cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) studies of MPC reconstituted into nanodiscs of synthetic copolymers for solving human MPC2.
Collapse
|
38
|
Dey D, Borkotoky S, Banerjee M. In silico identification of Tretinoin as a SARS-CoV-2 envelope (E) protein ion channel inhibitor. Comput Biol Med 2020; 127:104063. [PMID: 33126128 PMCID: PMC7574788 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2020.104063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Viroporins are oligomeric, pore forming, viral proteins that play critical roles in the life cycle of pathogenic viruses. Viroporins like HIV-1 Vpu, Alphavirus 6 K, Influenza M2, HCV p7, and Picornavirus 2B, form discrete aqueous passageways which mediate ion and small molecule transport in infected cells. The alterations in host membrane structures induced by viroporins is essential for key steps in the virus life cycle like entry, replication and egress. Any disruption in viroporin functionality severely compromises viral pathogenesis. The envelope (E) protein encoded by coronaviruses is a viroporin with ion channel activity and has been shown to be crucial for the assembly and pathophysiology of coronaviruses. We used a combination of virtual database screening, molecular docking, all-atom molecular dynamics simulation and MM-PBSA analysis to test four FDA approved drugs - Tretinoin, Mefenamic Acid, Ondansetron and Artemether - as potential inhibitors of ion channels formed by SARS-CoV-2 E protein. Interaction and binding energy analysis showed that electrostatic interactions and polar solvation energy were the major driving forces for binding of the drugs, with Tretinoin being the most promising inhibitor. Tretinoin bound within the lumen of the channel formed by E protein, which is lined by hydrophobic residues like Phe, Val and Ala, indicating its potential for blocking the channel and inhibiting the viroporin functionality of E. In control simulations, tretinoin demonstrated a lower binding energy with a known target as compared to SARS-CoV-2 E protein. This work thus highlights the possibility of exploring Tretinoin as a potential SARS-CoV-2 E protein ion channel blocker and virus assembly inhibitor, which could be an important therapeutic strategy in the treatment for coronaviruses. Screened a database of 1806 small molecule compounds from DrugBank for potential SARS CoV-2 E protein inhibitors. Tested four FDA-approved drugs Tetinoin, Mefenamic acid, Ondansetron and Artemether as SARS CoV-2 E protein inhibitors. Used a combination of molecular docking, MD simulations and MM-PBSA analysis to propose Tretinoin as a promising inhibitor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debajit Dey
- School of Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore, United States
| | - Subhomoi Borkotoky
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India
| | - Manidipa Banerjee
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Singh S, Bhatt V, Kumar V, Kumawat S, Khatri P, Singla P, Shivaraj S, Nadaf A, Deshmukh R, Sharma TR, Sonah H. Evolutionary Understanding of Aquaporin Transport System in the Basal Eudicot Model Species Aquilegia coerulea. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9060799. [PMID: 32604788 PMCID: PMC7355465 DOI: 10.3390/plants9060799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) play a pivotal role in the cellular transport of water and many other small solutes, influencing many physiological and developmental processes in plants. In the present study, extensive bioinformatics analysis of AQPs was performed in Aquilegia coerulea L., a model species belonging to basal eudicots, with a particular focus on understanding the AQPs role in the developing petal nectar spur. A total of 29 AQPs were identified in Aquilegia, and their phylogenetic analysis performed with previously reported AQPs from rice, poplar and Arabidopsis depicted five distinct subfamilies of AQPs. Interestingly, comparative analysis revealed the loss of an uncharacterized intrinsic protein II (XIP-II) group in Aquilegia. The absence of the entire XIP subfamily has been reported in several previous studies, however, the loss of a single clade within the XIP family has not been characterized. Furthermore, protein structure analysis of AQPs was performed to understand pore diversity, which is helpful for the prediction of solute specificity. Similarly, an AQP AqcNIP2-1 was identified in Aquilegia, predicted as a silicon influx transporter based on the presence of features such as the G-S-G-R aromatic arginine selectivity filter, the spacing between asparagine-proline-alanine (NPA) motifs and pore morphology. RNA-seq analysis showed a high expression of tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs) and plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs) in the developing petal spur. The results presented here will be helpful in understanding the AQP evolution in Aquilegia and their expression regulation, particularly during floral development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Singh
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali Punjab 140306, India; (S.S.); (V.K.); (S.K.); (P.K.); (P.S.); (S.M.S.); (R.D.)
| | - Vacha Bhatt
- Department of Botany, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India; (V.B.); (A.N.)
| | - Virender Kumar
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali Punjab 140306, India; (S.S.); (V.K.); (S.K.); (P.K.); (P.S.); (S.M.S.); (R.D.)
| | - Surbhi Kumawat
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali Punjab 140306, India; (S.S.); (V.K.); (S.K.); (P.K.); (P.S.); (S.M.S.); (R.D.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Praveen Khatri
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali Punjab 140306, India; (S.S.); (V.K.); (S.K.); (P.K.); (P.S.); (S.M.S.); (R.D.)
| | - Pankaj Singla
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali Punjab 140306, India; (S.S.); (V.K.); (S.K.); (P.K.); (P.S.); (S.M.S.); (R.D.)
| | - S.M. Shivaraj
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali Punjab 140306, India; (S.S.); (V.K.); (S.K.); (P.K.); (P.S.); (S.M.S.); (R.D.)
| | - Altaf Nadaf
- Department of Botany, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India; (V.B.); (A.N.)
| | - Rupesh Deshmukh
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali Punjab 140306, India; (S.S.); (V.K.); (S.K.); (P.K.); (P.S.); (S.M.S.); (R.D.)
| | - Tilak Raj Sharma
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali Punjab 140306, India; (S.S.); (V.K.); (S.K.); (P.K.); (P.S.); (S.M.S.); (R.D.)
- Division of Crop Science, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi 110001, India
- Correspondence: (T.R.S.); (H.S.); Tel.: +91-172-522-1181 (H.S.)
| | - Humira Sonah
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali Punjab 140306, India; (S.S.); (V.K.); (S.K.); (P.K.); (P.S.); (S.M.S.); (R.D.)
- Correspondence: (T.R.S.); (H.S.); Tel.: +91-172-522-1181 (H.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Suresh R, Subramaniam V. Molecular dynamics simulation involved in expounding the activation of adrenoceptors by sympathetic nervous system signaling. Struct Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11224-020-01553-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
41
|
Stourac J, Vavra O, Kokkonen P, Filipovic J, Pinto G, Brezovsky J, Damborsky J, Bednar D. Caver Web 1.0: identification of tunnels and channels in proteins and analysis of ligand transport. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 47:W414-W422. [PMID: 31114897 PMCID: PMC6602463 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Caver Web 1.0 is a web server for comprehensive analysis of protein tunnels and channels, and study of the ligands’ transport through these transport pathways. Caver Web is the first interactive tool allowing both the analyses within a single graphical user interface. The server is built on top of the abundantly used tunnel detection tool Caver 3.02 and CaverDock 1.0 enabling the study of the ligand transport. The program is easy-to-use as the only required inputs are a protein structure for a tunnel identification and a list of ligands for the transport analysis. The automated guidance procedures assist the users to set up the calculation in a way to obtain biologically relevant results. The identified tunnels, their properties, energy profiles and trajectories for ligands’ passages can be calculated and visualized. The tool is very fast (2–20 min per job) and is applicable even for virtual screening purposes. Its simple setup and comprehensive graphical user interface make the tool accessible for a broad scientific community. The server is freely available at https://loschmidt.chemi.muni.cz/caverweb.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Stourac
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,International Centre for Clinical Research, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Vavra
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,International Centre for Clinical Research, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Piia Kokkonen
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Filipovic
- Institute of Computer Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Gaspar Pinto
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,International Centre for Clinical Research, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Brezovsky
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Damborsky
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,International Centre for Clinical Research, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Bednar
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,International Centre for Clinical Research, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Sanchis-Juan A, Hasenahuer MA, Baker JA, McTague A, Barwick K, Kurian MA, Duarte ST, Carss KJ, Thornton J, Raymond FL. Structural analysis of pathogenic missense mutations in GABRA2 and identification of a novel de novo variant in the desensitization gate. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2020; 8:e1106. [PMID: 32347641 PMCID: PMC7336760 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cys‐loop receptors control neuronal excitability in the brain and their dysfunction results in numerous neurological disorders. Recently, six missense variants in GABRA2, a member of this family, have been associated with early infantile epileptic encephalopathy (EIEE). We identified a novel de novo missense variant in GABRA2 in a patient with EIEE and performed protein structural analysis of the seven variants. Methods The novel variant was identified by trio whole‐genome sequencing. We performed protein structural analysis of the seven variants, and compared them to previously reported pathogenic mutations at equivalent positions in other Cys‐loop receptors. Additionally, we studied the distribution of disease‐associated variants in the transmembrane helices of these proteins. Results The seven variants are in the transmembrane domain, either close to the desensitization gate, the activation gate, or in inter‐subunit interfaces. Six of them have pathogenic mutations at equivalent positions in other Cys‐loop receptors, emphasizing the importance of these residues. Also, pathogenic mutations are more common in the pore‐lining helix, consistent with this region being highly constrained for variation in control populations. Conclusion Our study reports a novel pathogenic variant in GABRA2, characterizes the regions where pathogenic mutations are in the transmembrane helices, and underscores the value of considering sequence, evolutionary, and structural information as a strategy for variant interpretation of novel missense mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alba Sanchis-Juan
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, NHS Blood and Transplant Centre, Cambridge, UK.,NIHR BioResource, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marcia A Hasenahuer
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - James A Baker
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Amy McTague
- Developmental Neurosciences, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Katy Barwick
- Developmental Neurosciences, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Manju A Kurian
- Developmental Neurosciences, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sofia T Duarte
- Hospital Dona Estefânia, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Keren J Carss
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, NHS Blood and Transplant Centre, Cambridge, UK.,NIHR BioResource, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Janet Thornton
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - F Lucy Raymond
- NIHR BioResource, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Protein Structure Prediction and Design in a Biologically Realistic Implicit Membrane. Biophys J 2020; 118:2042-2055. [PMID: 32224301 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein design is a powerful tool for elucidating mechanisms of function and engineering new therapeutics and nanotechnologies. Although soluble protein design has advanced, membrane protein design remains challenging because of difficulties in modeling the lipid bilayer. In this work, we developed an implicit approach that captures the anisotropic structure, shape of water-filled pores, and nanoscale dimensions of membranes with different lipid compositions. The model improves performance in computational benchmarks against experimental targets, including prediction of protein orientations in the bilayer, ΔΔG calculations, native structure discrimination, and native sequence recovery. When applied to de novo protein design, this approach designs sequences with an amino acid distribution near the native amino acid distribution in membrane proteins, overcoming a critical flaw in previous membrane models that were prone to generating leucine-rich designs. Furthermore, the proteins designed in the new membrane model exhibit native-like features including interfacial aromatic side chains, hydrophobic lengths compatible with bilayer thickness, and polar pores. Our method advances high-resolution membrane protein structure prediction and design toward tackling key biological questions and engineering challenges.
Collapse
|
44
|
Wang KW, Hall CK. Characterising the throat diameter of through-pores in network structures using a percolation criterion. Mol Phys 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/00268976.2019.1654140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kye Won Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Carol K. Hall
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Yang JF, Wang F, Chen YZ, Hao GF, Yang GF. LARMD: integration of bioinformatic resources to profile ligand-driven protein dynamics with a case on the activation of estrogen receptor. Brief Bioinform 2019; 21:2206-2218. [DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbz141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Protein dynamics is central to all biological processes, including signal transduction, cellular regulation and biological catalysis. Among them, in-depth exploration of ligand-driven protein dynamics contributes to an optimal understanding of protein function, which is particularly relevant to drug discovery. Hence, a wide range of computational tools have been designed to investigate the important dynamic information in proteins. However, performing and analyzing protein dynamics is still challenging due to the complicated operation steps, giving rise to great difficulty, especially for nonexperts. Moreover, there is a lack of web protocol to provide online facility to investigate and visualize ligand-driven protein dynamics. To this end, in this study, we integrated several bioinformatic tools to develop a protocol, named Ligand and Receptor Molecular Dynamics (LARMD, http://chemyang.ccnu.edu.cn/ccb/server/LARMD/ and http://agroda.gzu.edu.cn:9999/ccb/server/LARMD/), for profiling ligand-driven protein dynamics. To be specific, estrogen receptor (ER) was used as a case to reveal ERβ-selective mechanism, which plays a vital role in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and many types of cancers in clinical practice. Two different residues (Ile373/Met421 and Met336/Leu384) in the pocket of ERβ/ERα were the significant determinants for selectivity, especially Met336 of ERβ. The helix H8, helix H11 and H7-H8 loop influenced the migration of selective agonist (WAY-244). These computational results were consistent with the experimental results. Therefore, LARMD provides a user-friendly online protocol to study the dynamic property of protein and to design new ligand or site-directed mutagenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Fang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, P.R.China
- International Joint Research Center for Intelligent Biosensor Technology and Health, Central China Normal University,Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, P.R.China
- International Joint Research Center for Intelligent Biosensor Technology and Health, Central China Normal University,Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Yu-Zong Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543
| | - Ge-Fei Hao
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, P.R.China
- International Joint Research Center for Intelligent Biosensor Technology and Health, Central China Normal University,Wuhan, 430079, China
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Research and Development Center for Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, P. R. China
| | - Guang-Fu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, P.R.China
- International Joint Research Center for Intelligent Biosensor Technology and Health, Central China Normal University,Wuhan, 430079, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjing 300072, P.R.China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Jha A, Kumar V, Haque S, Ayasolla K, Saha S, Lan X, Malhotra A, Saleem MA, Skorecki K, Singhal PC. Alterations in plasma membrane ion channel structures stimulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation in APOL1 risk milieu. FEBS J 2019; 287:2000-2022. [PMID: 31714001 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated alterations in the structural configurations of channels and activation of nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing family, pyrin domain-containing-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome formation in apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) risk and nonrisk milieus. APOL1G1- and APOL1G2-expressing podocytes (PD) displayed enhanced K+ efflux, induction of pyroptosis, and escalated transcription of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. APOL1G1- and APOL1G2-expressing PD promoted the transcription as well as translation of proteins involved in the formation of inflammasomes. Since glyburide (a specific inhibitor of K+ efflux channels) inhibited the transcription of NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18, the role of K+ efflux in the activation of inflammasomes in APOL1 risk milieu was implicated. To evaluate the role of structural alterations in K+ channels in plasma membranes, bioinformatics studies, including molecular dynamic simulation, were carried out. Superimposition of bioinformatics reconstructions of APOL1G0, G1, and G2 showed several aligned regions. The analysis of pore-lining residues revealed that Ser342 and Tyr389 are involved in APOL1G0 pore formation and the altered conformations resulting from the Ser342Gly and Ile384Met mutation in the case of APOLG1 and deletion of the Tyr389 residue in the case of APOL1G2 are expected to alter pore characteristics, including K+ ion selectivity. Analysis of multiple membrane (lipid bilayer) models of interaction with the peripheral protein, integral membrane protein, and multimer protein revealed that for an APOL1 multimer model, APOL1G0 is not energetically favorable while the APOL1G1 and APOL1G2 moieties favor the insertion of multiple ion channels into the lipid bilayer. We conclude that altered pore configurations carry the potential to facilitate K+ ion transport in APOL1 risk milieu.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alok Jha
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-North Well, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-North Well, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Shabirul Haque
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-North Well, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Kamesh Ayasolla
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-North Well, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Shourav Saha
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-North Well, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Xiqian Lan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-North Well, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Ashwani Malhotra
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-North Well, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | | | - Karl Skorecki
- Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Pravin C Singhal
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-North Well, Manhasset, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Endoplasmic reticulum retention signaling and transmembrane channel proteins predicted for oilseed ω3 fatty acid desaturase 3 (FAD3) genes. Funct Integr Genomics 2019; 20:433-458. [PMID: 31781992 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-019-00718-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Oilseed crop oils contain a variety of unsaturated fatty acids that are synthesized and regulated by fatty acid desaturases (FADs). In this study, 14 FAD3 (ω3 desaturase) protein sequences from oilseeds are analyzed and presented through the application of several computational tools. The results indicated a close relationship between Brassica napus and Camelina sativa, as well as between Salvia hispanica and Perilla frutescens FAD3s, due to a high similarity in codon preferences in codon usage clusters and the phylogenetic tree. The cis-acting element results reveal that the seed-specific promoter region of BnFAD3 contains the critical conserved boxes such as HSE and ABRE, which are involved in responsiveness to heat stress and abscisic acid. The presence of the aforementioned conserved boxes may increase cold acclimation as well as tolerance to drought and high salinity. Omega(ω)3 desaturases contain a Skn-1 motif which is a cis-acting regulatory element required involved in endosperm development. In oilseed FAD3s, leucine is the most repeated amino acid in FAD3 proteins. The study conveyed that B. napus, Camelina sativa, Linum usitatissimum, Vernicia fordii, Gossypium hirsutum, S. hispanica, Cannabis sativa, and P. frutescens have retention signal KXKXX/XKXX at their c-terminus sites, which is one of the most important characteristics of FADs. Additionally, it was found that BnFAD3 is a transmembrane protein that can convert ω6 to ω3 fatty acids and may simultaneously act as a potassium ion channel in the ER.
Collapse
|
48
|
Rajagopal N, Irudayanathan FJ, Nangia S. Computational Nanoscopy of Tight Junctions at the Blood-Brain Barrier Interface. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5583. [PMID: 31717316 PMCID: PMC6888702 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The selectivity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is primarily maintained by tight junctions (TJs), which act as gatekeepers of the paracellular space by blocking blood-borne toxins, drugs, and pathogens from entering the brain. The BBB presents a significant challenge in designing neurotherapeutics, so a comprehensive understanding of the TJ architecture can aid in the design of novel therapeutics. Unraveling the intricacies of TJs with conventional experimental techniques alone is challenging, but recently developed computational tools can provide a valuable molecular-level understanding of TJ architecture. We employed the computational methods toolkit to investigate claudin-5, a highly expressed TJ protein at the BBB interface. Our approach started with the prediction of claudin-5 structure, evaluation of stable dimer conformations and nanoscale assemblies, followed by the impact of lipid environments, and posttranslational modifications on these claudin-5 assemblies. These led to the study of TJ pores and barriers and finally understanding of ion and small molecule transport through the TJs. Some of these in silico, molecular-level findings, will need to be corroborated by future experiments. The resulting understanding can be advantageous towards the eventual goal of drug delivery across the BBB. This review provides key insights gleaned from a series of state-of-the-art nanoscale simulations (or computational nanoscopy studies) performed on the TJ architecture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shikha Nangia
- Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Single-molecule sensing of peptides and nucleic acids by engineered aerolysin nanopores. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4918. [PMID: 31664022 PMCID: PMC6820719 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12690-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanopore sensing is a powerful single-molecule approach for the detection of biomolecules. Recent studies have demonstrated that aerolysin is a promising candidate to improve the accuracy of DNA sequencing and to develop novel single-molecule proteomic strategies. However, the structure–function relationship between the aerolysin nanopore and its molecular sensing properties remains insufficiently explored. Herein, a set of mutated pores were rationally designed and evaluated in silico by molecular simulations and in vitro by single-channel recording and molecular translocation experiments to study the pore structural variation, ion selectivity, ionic conductance and capabilities for sensing several biomolecules. Our results show that the ion selectivity and sensing ability of aerolysin are mostly controlled by electrostatics and the narrow diameter of the double β-barrel cap. By engineering single-site mutants, a more accurate molecular detection of nucleic acids and peptides has been achieved. These findings open avenues for developing aerolysin nanopores into powerful sensing devices. Aerolysin pores have potential to improve the accuracy of DNA sequencing and single-molecule proteomics. Here, the authors rationally design a set of mutated pores to achieve a more accurate detection of peptides and nucleic acids.
Collapse
|
50
|
Chen G, Liang H, Zhao Q, Wu AM, Wang B. Exploiting MATE efflux proteins to improve flavonoid accumulation in Camellia sinensis in silico. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 143:732-743. [PMID: 31622702 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Flavonoids in tea plant are the important bioactive compounds for both human health and taste quality. Multidrug and Toxic compound Extrusion (MATE) proteins could improve flavonoid accumulations by transporting and sequestering the flavonoid in vacuoles. We identified 41 putative MATE genes in tea plants. The similar intron-exon structures of tea MATEs clustered within the same gene clade. The correlation analysis of tea flavonoid and transcriptome data showed that TEA006173 might be involve in the tea flavonoid accumulation. The RT-PCR results confirmed that TEA006173 showed high expression in the young leaf tissues. Tertiary structure prediction has shown that TEA006173 contained the 12 helices with three active pockets, comprising 13 critical residues. The present study provided the structural variations and expression patterns of tea MATEs and it would be helpful for taste and nutrient quality improvement in tea plant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guanming Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding of Guangdong Province, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Haohong Liang
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding of Guangdong Province, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding of Guangdong Province, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Ai-Min Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architectures, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Bo Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding of Guangdong Province, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|