1
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Cheng Z, Cheng Z, Zhang Y, Zhang S. "Intrinsic disorder-protein modification-LLPS-tumor" regulatory axis: From regulatory mechanisms to precision medicine. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1880:189242. [PMID: 39672280 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189242] [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: 09/29/2024] [Revised: 12/07/2024] [Accepted: 12/08/2024] [Indexed: 12/15/2024]
Abstract
Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation (LLPS) is an important mechanism for the formation of functional droplets. Protein modification is an important pathway to regulate LLPS, in which series of modifying groups realize dynamic regulation by changing the charge and spatial resistance of the modified proteins. Meanwhile, uncontrolled protein modifications associated with LLPS dysregulation are highly correlated with tumorigenesis and development, suggesting the existence of a potential regulatory axis between the three. In this review, we pioneered "protein modification-LLPS-tumor" regulatory axis and summarized protein modifications that regulate LLPS in cancer cells (including phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, lactate, ADP-ribosylation, O-glycosylation, and acylation) and their associated modification mechanisms. Finally, we outline advances in precision medicine based on this regulatory axis. The aim of this review is to expand the understanding of protein modifications regulating LLPS under normal or abnormal cellular conditions and to provide possible ideas for precision therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekun Cheng
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Zehao Cheng
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Yikai Zhang
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Shubing Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China.
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2
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Usher ET, Fossat MJ, Holehouse AS. Phosphorylation of disordered proteins tunes local and global intramolecular interactions. Biophys J 2024; 123:4082-4096. [PMID: 39539017 PMCID: PMC11628823 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.10.021] [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: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 10/16/2024] [Accepted: 10/30/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, are important regulatory signals for diverse cellular functions. In particular, intrinsically disordered protein regions (IDRs) are subject to phosphorylation as a means to modulate their interactions and functions. Toward understanding the relationship between phosphorylation in IDRs and specific functional outcomes, we must consider how phosphorylation affects the IDR conformational ensemble. Various experimental techniques are suited to interrogate the features of IDR ensembles; molecular simulations can provide complementary insights and even illuminate ensemble features that may be experimentally inaccessible. Therefore, we sought to expand the tools available to study phosphorylated IDRs by all-atom Monte Carlo simulations. To this end, we implemented parameters for phosphoserine (pSer) and phosphothreonine (pThr) into the OPLS version of the continuum solvent model, ABSINTH, and assessed their performance in all-atom simulations compared with published findings. We simulated short (<20 residues) and long (>80 residues) phospho-IDRs that, collectively, survey both local and global phosphorylation-induced changes to the ensemble. Our simulations of four well-studied phospho-IDRs show near-quantitative agreement with published findings for these systems via metrics including changes to radius of gyration, transient helicity, and persistence length. We also leveraged the inherent advantage of sequence control in molecular simulations to explore the conformational effects of diverse combinations of phospho-sites in two multiphosphorylated IDRs. Our results support and expand on previous observations that connect phosphorylation to changes in the IDR conformational ensemble. Herein, we describe phosphorylation as a means to alter sequence chemistry, net charge and charge patterning, and intramolecular interactions, which can collectively modulate the local and global IDR ensemble features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emery T Usher
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Center for Biomolecular Condensates (CBC), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Martin J Fossat
- Department of Biological Physics, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Alex S Holehouse
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Center for Biomolecular Condensates (CBC), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.
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3
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de Bruyn E, Dorn AE, Rossetti G, Fernandez C, Outeiro TF, Schulz JB, Carloni P. Impact of Phosphorylation on the Physiological Form of Human alpha-Synuclein in Aqueous Solution. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:8215-8226. [PMID: 39462994 PMCID: PMC11558680 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c01172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2024] [Revised: 10/05/2024] [Accepted: 10/15/2024] [Indexed: 10/29/2024]
Abstract
Serine 129 can be phosphorylated in pathological inclusions formed by the intrinsically disordered protein human α-synuclein (AS), a key player in Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies. Here, molecular simulations provide insight into the structural ensemble of phosphorylated AS. The simulations allow us to suggest that phosphorylation significantly impacts the structural content of the physiological AS conformational ensemble in aqueous solution, as the phosphate group is mostly solvated. The hydrophobic region of AS contains β-hairpin structures, which may increase the propensity of the protein to undergo amyloid formation, as seen in the nonphysiological (nonacetylated) form of the protein in a recent molecular simulation study. Our findings are consistent with existing experimental data with the caveat of the observed limitations of the force field for the phosphorylated moiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emile de Bruyn
- Jülich
Supercomputing Centre (JSC), Forschungszentrum
Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Department
of Physics, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Anton Emil Dorn
- Jülich
Supercomputing Centre (JSC), Forschungszentrum
Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Faculty
of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Giulia Rossetti
- Jülich
Supercomputing Centre (JSC), Forschungszentrum
Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Computational
Biomedicine (IAS-5/INM-9), Forschungszentrum
Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Department
of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Claudio Fernandez
- Max Planck
Laboratory for Structural Biology, Chemistry and Molecular Biophysics
of Rosario (MPLbioR, UNR-MPINAT), Partner of the Max Planck Institute
for Multidisciplinary Sciences (MPINAT, MPG), Centro de Estudios Interdisciplinarios, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, S2002LRK Rosario, Argentina
- Department
of NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck
Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tiago F. Outeiro
- Department
of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging
of Neurodegeneration, University Medical
Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Max
Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Translational
and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle
University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United
Kingdom
| | - Jörg B. Schulz
- Department
of Physics, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
- Department
of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- JARA
Brain Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), Research Centre Jülich and RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Paolo Carloni
- Department
of Physics, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
- Computational
Biomedicine (IAS-5/INM-9), Forschungszentrum
Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
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4
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Malone M, Maeyama A, Ogden N, Perry KN, Kramer A, Bates C, Marble C, Orlando R, Rausch A, Smeraldi C, Lowey C, Fees B, Dyson HJ, Dorrell M, Kast-Woelbern H, Jansma AL. The effect of phosphorylation efficiency on the oncogenic properties of the protein E7 from high-risk HPV. Virus Res 2024; 348:199446. [PMID: 39127239 PMCID: PMC11375142 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199446] [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: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
The Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes tumors in part by hijacking the host cell cycle and forcing uncontrolled cellular division. While there are >200 genotypes of HPV, 15 are classified as high-risk and have been shown to transform infected cells and contribute to tumor formation. The remaining low-risk genotypes are not considered oncogenic and result in benign skin lesions. In high-risk HPV, the oncoprotein E7 contributes to the dysregulation of cell cycle regulatory mechanisms. High-risk E7 is phosphorylated in cells at two conserved serine residues by Casein Kinase 2 (CK2) and this phosphorylation event increases binding affinity for cellular proteins such as the tumor suppressor retinoblastoma (pRb). While low-risk E7 possesses similar serine residues, it is phosphorylated to a lesser degree in cells and has decreased binding capabilities. When E7 binding affinity is decreased, it is less able to facilitate complex interactions between proteins and therefore has less capability to dysregulate the cell cycle. By comparing E7 protein sequences from both low- and high-risk HPV variants and using site-directed mutagenesis combined with NMR spectroscopy and cell-based assays, we demonstrate that the presence of two key nonpolar valine residues within the CK2 recognition sequence, present in low-risk E7, reduces serine phosphorylation efficiency relative to high-risk E7. This results in significant loss of the ability of E7 to degrade the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein, thus also reducing the ability of E7 to increase cellular proliferation and reduce senescence. This provides additional insight into the differential E7-mediated outcomes when cells are infected with high-risk verses low-risk HPV. Understanding these oncogenic differences may be important to developing targeted treatment options for HPV-induced cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Malone
- Department of Chemistry, Point Loma Nazarene University, 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, 92126, CA, USA
| | - Ava Maeyama
- Department of Biology, Point Loma Nazarene University, 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, 92126, CA, USA
| | - Naomi Ogden
- Department of Biology, Point Loma Nazarene University, 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, 92126, CA, USA
| | - Kayla N Perry
- Department of Chemistry, Point Loma Nazarene University, 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, 92126, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Kramer
- Department of Biology, Point Loma Nazarene University, 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, 92126, CA, USA
| | - Caleb Bates
- Department of Biology, Point Loma Nazarene University, 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, 92126, CA, USA
| | - Camryn Marble
- Department of Chemistry, Point Loma Nazarene University, 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, 92126, CA, USA
| | - Ryan Orlando
- Department of Chemistry, Point Loma Nazarene University, 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, 92126, CA, USA
| | - Amy Rausch
- Department of Biology, Point Loma Nazarene University, 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, 92126, CA, USA
| | - Caleb Smeraldi
- Department of Biology, Point Loma Nazarene University, 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, 92126, CA, USA
| | - Connor Lowey
- Department of Biology, Point Loma Nazarene University, 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, 92126, CA, USA
| | - Bronson Fees
- Department of Biology, Point Loma Nazarene University, 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, 92126, CA, USA
| | - H Jane Dyson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology and Skaggs Institute of Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 92037, CA, USA
| | - Michael Dorrell
- Department of Biology, Point Loma Nazarene University, 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, 92126, CA, USA
| | - Heidi Kast-Woelbern
- Department of Biology, Point Loma Nazarene University, 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, 92126, CA, USA.
| | - Ariane L Jansma
- Department of Chemistry, Point Loma Nazarene University, 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, 92126, CA, USA.
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5
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Marien J, Prévost C, Sacquin-Mora S. nP-Collabs: Investigating Counterion-Mediated Bridges in the Multiply Phosphorylated Tau-R2 Repeat. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:6570-6582. [PMID: 39092904 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Tau is an intrinsically disordered (IDP) microtubule-associated protein (MAP) that plays a key part in microtubule assembly and organization. The function of tau can be regulated by multiple phosphorylation sites. These post-translational modifications are known to decrease the binding affinity of tau for microtubules, and abnormal tau phosphorylation patterns are involved in Alzheimer's disease. Using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, we compared the conformational landscapes explored by the tau R2 repeat domain (which comprises a strong tubulin binding site) in its native state and with multiple phosphorylations on the S285, S289, and S293 residues, with four different standard force field (FF)/water model combinations. We find that the different parameters used for the phosphate groups (which can be more or less flexible) in these FFs and the specific interactions between bulk cations and water lead to the formation of a specific type of counterion bridge, termed nP-collab (for nphosphate collaboration, with n being an integer), where counterions form stable structures binding with two or three phosphate groups simultaneously. The resulting effect of nP-collabs on the tau-R2 conformational space differs when using sodium or potassium cations and is likely to impact the peptide overall dynamics and how this MAP interacts with tubulins. We also investigated the effect of phosphoresidue spacing and ionic concentration by modeling polyalanine peptides containing two phosphoserines located one-six residues apart. Three new metrics specifically tailored for IDPs (proteic Menger curvature, local curvature, and local flexibility) were introduced, which allow us to fully characterize the impact of nP-collabs on the dynamics of disordered peptides at the residue level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jules Marien
- Laboratoire de Biochimie Théorique, Université Paris-Cité, CNRS, 13 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Chantal Prévost
- Laboratoire de Biochimie Théorique, Université Paris-Cité, CNRS, 13 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Sophie Sacquin-Mora
- Laboratoire de Biochimie Théorique, Université Paris-Cité, CNRS, 13 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris, France
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6
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Fuxreiter M. Context-dependent, fuzzy protein interactions: Towards sequence-based insights. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2024; 87:102834. [PMID: 38759297 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2024.102834] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Predicting protein interactions in the cellular environment still remains a challenge in the AlphaFold era. Protein interactions, similarly to their structures, sample a continuum from ordered to disordered states, with specific partners in many bound configurations. A multiplicity of binding modes (MBM) enables transition between these states under different cellular conditions. This review focuses on how the cellular environment affects protein interactions, highlighting the molecular mechanisms, biophysical origin, and sequence-based principles of context-dependent, fuzzy interactions. It summarises experimental and computational approaches to address the challenge of interaction heterogeneity and its contribution to a wide range of biological functions. These insights will help in understanding complex cellular processes, involving conversions between protein assembly states, such as from liquid-like droplet state to the amyloid state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fuxreiter
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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7
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Boushehri S, Holey H, Brosz M, Gumbsch P, Pastewka L, Aponte-Santamaría C, Gräter F. O-glycans Expand Lubricin and Attenuate Its Viscosity and Shear Thinning. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:3893-3908. [PMID: 38815979 PMCID: PMC11238335 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Lubricin, an intrinsically disordered glycoprotein, plays a pivotal role in facilitating smooth movement and ensuring the enduring functionality of synovial joints. The central domain of this protein serves as a source of this excellent lubrication and is characterized by its highly glycosylated, negatively charged, and disordered structure. However, the influence of O-glycans on the viscosity of lubricin remains unclear. In this study, we employ molecular dynamics simulations in the absence and presence of shear, along with continuum simulations, to elucidate the intricate interplay between O-glycans and lubricin and the impact of O-glycans on lubricin's conformational properties and viscosity. We found the presence of O-glycans to induce a more extended conformation in fragments of the disordered region of lubricin. These O-glycans contribute to a reduction in solution viscosity but at the same time weaken shear thinning at high shear rates, compared to nonglycosylated systems with the same density. This effect is attributed to the steric and electrostatic repulsion between the fragments, which prevents their conglomeration and structuring. Our computational study yields a mechanistic mechanism underlying previous experimental observations of lubricin and paves the way to a more rational understanding of its function in the synovial fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Boushehri
- Heidelberg
Institute for Theoretical Studies, Schloß-Wolfsbrunnenweg 35, Heidelberg 69118, Germany
- University
of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer
Feld 205, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Karlsruhe
Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe 76131, Germany
| | - Hannes Holey
- Karlsruhe
Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe 76131, Germany
- Department
of Microsystems Engineering, University
of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 103, Freiburg 79110, Germany
| | - Matthias Brosz
- Heidelberg
Institute for Theoretical Studies, Schloß-Wolfsbrunnenweg 35, Heidelberg 69118, Germany
- University
of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer
Feld 205, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Peter Gumbsch
- Karlsruhe
Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe 76131, Germany
- Fraunhofer
IWM, Wöhlerstraße
11, Freiburg 79108, Germany
| | - Lars Pastewka
- Department
of Microsystems Engineering, University
of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 103, Freiburg 79110, Germany
| | - Camilo Aponte-Santamaría
- Heidelberg
Institute for Theoretical Studies, Schloß-Wolfsbrunnenweg 35, Heidelberg 69118, Germany
| | - Frauke Gräter
- Heidelberg
Institute for Theoretical Studies, Schloß-Wolfsbrunnenweg 35, Heidelberg 69118, Germany
- University
of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer
Feld 205, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
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8
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Modic M, Adamek M, Ule J. The impact of IDR phosphorylation on the RNA binding profiles of proteins. Trends Genet 2024; 40:580-586. [PMID: 38705823 PMCID: PMC7616821 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2024.04.004] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Due to their capacity to mediate repetitive protein interactions, intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are crucial for the formation of various types of protein-RNA complexes. The functions of IDRs are strongly modulated by post-translational modifications (PTMs). Phosphorylation is the most common and well-studied modification of IDRs, which can alter homomeric or heteromeric interactions of proteins and impact their ability to phase separate. Moreover, phosphorylation can influence the RNA-binding properties of proteins, and recent studies demonstrated its selective impact on the global profiles of protein-RNA binding and regulation. These findings highlight the need for further integrative approaches to understand how signalling remodels protein-RNA networks in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miha Modic
- National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia; The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Maksimiljan Adamek
- National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia; PhD Program 'Biosciences', Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jernej Ule
- National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia; The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at King's College London, London, UK.
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9
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Bickel D, Vranken W. Effects of Phosphorylation on Protein Backbone Dynamics and Conformational Preferences. J Chem Theory Comput 2024; 20:4998-5011. [PMID: 38830621 PMCID: PMC11210476 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.4c00206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Phosphorylations are the most common and extensively studied post-translational modification (PTM) of proteins in eukaryotes. They constitute a major regulatory mechanism, modulating protein function, protein-protein interactions, as well as subcellular localization. Phosphorylation sites are preferably located in intrinsically disordered regions and have been shown to trigger structural rearrangements and order-to-disorder transitions. They can therefore have a significant effect on protein backbone dynamics or conformation, but only sparse experimental data are available. To obtain a more general description of how and when phosphorylations have a significant effect on protein behavior, molecular dynamics (MD) currently provides the only suitable framework to study these effects at a large scale in atomistic detail. This study develops a systematic MD simulation framework to explore the influence of phosphorylations on the local backbone dynamics and conformational propensities of proteins. Through a series of glycine-backbone peptides, we studied the effects of amino acid residues including the three most common phosphorylations (Ser, Thr, and Tyr), on local backbone dynamics and conformational propensities. We further extended our study to investigate the interactions of all such residues between position i to positions i + 1, i + 2, i + 3, and i + 4 in such peptides. The final data set comprises structural ensembles for 3393 sequences with more than 1 μs of sampling for each ensemble. To validate the relevance of the results, the structural and conformational properties extracted from the MD simulations are compared to NMR data from the Biological Magnetic Resonance Data Bank. The systematic nature of this study enables the projection of the gained knowledge onto any phosphorylation site in the proteome and provides a general framework for the study of further PTMs. The full data set is publicly available, as a training and reference set.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bickel
- Interuniversity
Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Structural
Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wim Vranken
- Interuniversity
Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Structural
Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
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10
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Usher ET, Fossat MJ, Holehouse AS. Phosphorylation of disordered proteins tunes local and global intramolecular interactions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.10.598315. [PMID: 38915510 PMCID: PMC11195077 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.10.598315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Protein post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, are important regulatory signals for diverse cellular functions. In particular, intrinsically disordered protein regions (IDRs) are subject to phosphorylation as a means to modulate their interactions and functions. Toward understanding the relationship between phosphorylation in IDRs and specific functional outcomes, we must consider how phosphorylation affects the IDR conformational ensemble. Various experimental techniques are suited to interrogate the features of IDR ensembles; molecular simulations can provide complementary insights and even illuminate ensemble features that may be experimentally inaccessible. Therefore, we sought to expand the tools available to study phosphorylated IDRs by all-atom Monte Carlo simulations. To this end, we implemented parameters for phosphoserine (pSer) and phosphothreonine (pThr) into the OPLS version of the continuum solvent model, ABSINTH, and assessed their performance in all-atom simulations compared to published findings. We simulated short (< 20 residues) and long (> 80 residues) phospho-IDRs that, collectively, survey both local and global phosphorylation-induced changes to the ensemble. Our simulations of four well-studied phospho-IDRs show near-quantitative agreement with published findings for these systems via metrics including changes to radius of gyration, transient helicity, and persistence length. We also leveraged the inherent advantage of sequence control in molecular simulations to explore the conformational effects of diverse combinations of phospho-sites in two multi-phosphorylated IDRs. Our results support and expand on prior observations that connect phosphorylation to changes in the IDR conformational ensemble. Herein, we describe phosphorylation as a means to alter sequence chemistry, net charge and charge patterning, and intramolecular interactions, which can collectively modulate the local and global IDR ensemble features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emery T. Usher
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Biomolecular Condensates (CBC), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Martin J. Fossat
- Department of Biological Physics, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Alex S. Holehouse
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Center for Biomolecular Condensates (CBC), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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11
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Williams ET, Schiefelbein K, Schuster M, Ahmed IMM, De Vries M, Beveridge R, Zerbe O, Hartrampf N. Rapid flow-based synthesis of post-translationally modified peptides and proteins: a case study on MYC's transactivation domain. Chem Sci 2024; 15:8756-8765. [PMID: 38873065 PMCID: PMC11168107 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc00481g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions of c-Myc (MYC) are often regulated by post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as phosphorylation, and crosstalk thereof. Studying these interactions requires proteins with unique PTM patterns, which are challenging to obtain by recombinant methods. Standard peptide synthesis and native chemical ligation can produce such modified proteins, but are time-consuming and therefore typically limited to the study of individual PTMs. Herein, we report the development of flow-based methods for the rapid synthesis of phosphorylated MYC sequences (up to 84 AA), and demonstrate the versatility of this approach for the incorporation of other PTMs (N ε-methylation, sulfation, acetylation, glycosylation) and combinations thereof. Peptides containing up to seven PTMs and phosphorylation at up to five sites were successfully prepared and isolated in high yield and purity. We further produced ten PTM-decorated analogues of the MYC Transactivation Domain (TAD) to screen for binding to the tumor suppressor protein, Bin1, using heteronuclear NMR and native mass spectrometry. We determined the effects of phosphorylation and glycosylation on the strength of the MYC:Bin1 interaction, and reveal an influence of MYC sequence length on binding. Our platform for the rapid synthesis of MYC sequences up to 84 AA with distinct PTM patterns thus enables the systematic study of PTM function at a molecular level, and offers a convenient way for expedited screening of constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elyse T Williams
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Kevin Schiefelbein
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Matthias Schuster
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Ikhlas M M Ahmed
- Department for Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde 295 Cathedral St Glasgow G1 1XL UK
| | - Marije De Vries
- Department for Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde 295 Cathedral St Glasgow G1 1XL UK
| | - Rebecca Beveridge
- Department for Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde 295 Cathedral St Glasgow G1 1XL UK
| | - Oliver Zerbe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Nina Hartrampf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zurich Switzerland
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12
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Gupta MN, Uversky VN. Protein structure-function continuum model: Emerging nexuses between specificity, evolution, and structure. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e4968. [PMID: 38532700 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4968] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The rationale for replacing the old binary of structure-function with the trinity of structure, disorder, and function has gained considerable ground in recent years. A continuum model based on the expanded form of the existing paradigm can now subsume importance of both conformational flexibility and intrinsic disorder in protein function. The disorder is actually critical for understanding the protein-protein interactions in many regulatory processes, formation of membrane-less organelles, and our revised notions of specificity as amply illustrated by moonlighting proteins. While its importance in formation of amyloids and function of prions is often discussed, the roles of intrinsic disorder in infectious diseases and protein function under extreme conditions are also becoming clear. This review is an attempt to discuss how our current understanding of protein function, specificity, and evolution fit better with the continuum model. This integration of structure and disorder under a single model may bring greater clarity in our continuing quest for understanding proteins and molecular mechanisms of their functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munishwar Nath Gupta
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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13
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Holehouse AS, Kragelund BB. The molecular basis for cellular function of intrinsically disordered protein regions. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024; 25:187-211. [PMID: 37957331 PMCID: PMC11459374 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00673-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 96.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered protein regions exist in a collection of dynamic interconverting conformations that lack a stable 3D structure. These regions are structurally heterogeneous, ubiquitous and found across all kingdoms of life. Despite the absence of a defined 3D structure, disordered regions are essential for cellular processes ranging from transcriptional control and cell signalling to subcellular organization. Through their conformational malleability and adaptability, disordered regions extend the repertoire of macromolecular interactions and are readily tunable by their structural and chemical context, making them ideal responders to regulatory cues. Recent work has led to major advances in understanding the link between protein sequence and conformational behaviour in disordered regions, yet the link between sequence and molecular function is less well defined. Here we consider the biochemical and biophysical foundations that underlie how and why disordered regions can engage in productive cellular functions, provide examples of emerging concepts and discuss how protein disorder contributes to intracellular information processing and regulation of cellular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex S Holehouse
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.
- Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Birthe B Kragelund
- REPIN, Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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14
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Liu Y, Feng W, Wang Y, Wu B. Crosstalk between protein post-translational modifications and phase separation. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:110. [PMID: 38347544 PMCID: PMC10860296 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01380-1] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The phenomenon of phase separation is quite common in cells, and it is involved in multiple processes of life activities. However, the current research on the correlation between protein modifications and phase separation and the interference with the tendency of phase separation has some limitations. Here we focus on several post-translational modifications of proteins, including protein phosphorylation modification at multiple sites, methylation modification, acetylation modification, ubiquitination modification, SUMOylation modification, etc., which regulate the formation of phase separation and the stability of phase separation structure through multivalent interactions. This regulatory role is closely related to the development of neurodegenerative diseases, tumors, viral infections, and other diseases, and also plays essential functions in environmental stress, DNA damage repair, transcriptional regulation, signal transduction, and cell homeostasis of living organisms, which provides an idea to explore the interaction between novel protein post-translational modifications and phase separation. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenjuan Feng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yunshan Wang
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Basic Medical Research Center, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
| | - Bin Wu
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
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15
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Barbhuiya TK, Jayarathna DK, Gilmour R, Smet-Nocca C, Gandhi NS. Characterization of Posttranslationally Modified PHF-1 Tau Peptides Using Gaussian Accelerated Molecular Dynamics Simulation. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2754:3-31. [PMID: 38512658 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3629-9_1] [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] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The microtubule-associated protein, Tau, is an intrinsically disordered protein that plays a crucial role in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease. The posttranslational modifications across the Tau protein domains are involved in regulating Tau protein's function and disease onset. Of the various posttranslational modifications at Ser, Thr, and Tyr sites, O-GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation are the most critical ones, playing a vital role in Tau aggregation and tauopathies. To understand the function, it is essential to characterize the structural changes associated with Tau modification. Previous experimental studies have focused on high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance techniques to structurally characterize the effect of phosphorylation, O-GlcNAcylation, and combination of both PTMs on Tau conformation in small peptides centered on the PHF-1 epitope from amino acid 392 to 411. The structural characterization using atomistic molecular dynamics simulation of such disordered peptides requires long simulation time, proper sampling method, and utilization of appropriate force fields for accurate determination of conformational ensembles, resembling the experimental data. This chapter details the protocol for the structural characterization of modified Tau peptides using the CHARMM36m force field and enhanced sampling methods like Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) simulation. We have focused on a detailed explanation of the GaMD method and analyses of molecular dynamics trajectories to explain the relationship between two modifications, phospho- and glyco-, at C-terminus of Tau protein and its stable conformation over the longer simulation timeframes. The analyses involve energetics reweighting, clustering of simulation trajectories, and characterization of secondary structure using circular dichroism data from the simulation. The reader can utilize this protocol to investigate the structures of complex proteins, especially the disordered ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabassum Khair Barbhuiya
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Faculty of Science, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Dulari K Jayarathna
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Faculty of Science, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Raechelle Gilmour
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Faculty of Science, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Caroline Smet-Nocca
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167 - RID-AGE - Risk Factors and Molecular Determinants of Aging-Related Diseases, Lille, France
- CNRS EMR9002 Integrative Structural Biology, Lille, France
| | - Neha S Gandhi
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Faculty of Science, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.
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16
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Adhikari S, Mondal J. Machine Learning Subtle Conformational Change due to Phosphorylation in Intrinsically Disordered Proteins. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:9433-9449. [PMID: 37905972 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c05136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorylation of intrinsically disordered proteins/regions (IDPs/IDRs) has a profound effect in biological functions such as cell signaling, protein folding or unfolding, and long-range allosteric effects. However, here we focus on two IDPs, namely 83-residue IDR transcription factor Ash1 and 92-residue long N-terminal region of CDK inhibitor Sic1 protein, found in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, for which experimental measurements of average conformational properties, namely, radius of gyration and structure factor, indicate negligible changes upon phosphorylation. Here, we show that a judicious dissection of conformational ensemble via combination of unsupervised machine learning and extensive molecular dynamics (MD) trajectories can highlight key differences and similarities among the phosphorylated and wild-type IDP. In particular, we develop Markov state model (MSM) using the latent-space dimensions of an autoencoder, trained using multi-microsecond long MD simulation trajectories. Examination of structural changes among the states, prior to and upon phosphorylation, captured several similarities and differences in their backbone contact maps, secondary structure, and torsion angles. Hydrogen bonding analysis revealed that phosphorylation not only increases the number of hydrogen bonds but also switches the pattern of hydrogen bonding between the backbone and side chain atoms with the phosphorylated residues. We also observe that although phosphorylation introduces salt bridges, there is a loss of the cation-π interaction. Phosphorylation also improved the probability for long-range hydrophobic contacts and also enhanced interaction with water molecules and improved the local structure of water as evident from the geometric order parameters. The observations on these machine-learnt states gave important insights, as it would otherwise be difficult to determine experimentally which is important, if we were to understand the role of phosphorylation of IDPs in their biological functions.
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17
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Amith W, Dutagaci B. Complex Conformational Space of the RNA Polymerase II C-Terminal Domain upon Phosphorylation. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:9223-9235. [PMID: 37870995 PMCID: PMC10626582 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c02655] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) have been closely studied during the past decade due to their importance in many biological processes. The disordered nature of this group of proteins makes it difficult to observe its full span of the conformational space using either experimental or computational studies. In this article, we explored the conformational space of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II (Pol II), which is also an intrinsically disordered low complexity domain, using enhanced sampling methods. We provided a detailed conformational analysis of model systems of CTD with different lengths; first with the last 44 residues of the human CTD sequence and finally the CTD model with 2-heptapeptide repeating units. We then investigated the effects of phosphorylation on CTD conformations by performing simulations at different phosphorylated states. We obtained broad conformational spaces in nonphosphorylated CTD models, and phosphorylation has complex effects on the conformations of the CTD. These complex effects depend on the length of the CTD, spacing between the multiple phosphorylation sites, ion coordination, and interactions with the nearby residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weththasinghage
D. Amith
- Department of Molecular and
Cell Biology, University of California,
Merced, Merced, California 95343, United States
| | - Bercem Dutagaci
- Department of Molecular and
Cell Biology, University of California,
Merced, Merced, California 95343, United States
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18
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Nussinov R, Liu Y, Zhang W, Jang H. Protein conformational ensembles in function: roles and mechanisms. RSC Chem Biol 2023; 4:850-864. [PMID: 37920394 PMCID: PMC10619138 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00114h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The sequence-structure-function paradigm has dominated twentieth century molecular biology. The paradigm tacitly stipulated that for each sequence there exists a single, well-organized protein structure. Yet, to sustain cell life, function requires (i) that there be more than a single structure, (ii) that there be switching between the structures, and (iii) that the structures be incompletely organized. These fundamental tenets called for an updated sequence-conformational ensemble-function paradigm. The powerful energy landscape idea, which is the foundation of modernized molecular biology, imported the conformational ensemble framework from physics and chemistry. This framework embraces the recognition that proteins are dynamic and are always interconverting between conformational states with varying energies. The more stable the conformation the more populated it is. The changes in the populations of the states are required for cell life. As an example, in vivo, under physiological conditions, wild type kinases commonly populate their more stable "closed", inactive, conformations. However, there are minor populations of the "open", ligand-free states. Upon their stabilization, e.g., by high affinity interactions or mutations, their ensembles shift to occupy the active states. Here we discuss the role of conformational propensities in function. We provide multiple examples of diverse systems, including protein kinases, lipid kinases, and Ras GTPases, discuss diverse conformational mechanisms, and provide a broad outlook on protein ensembles in the cell. We propose that the number of molecules in the active state (inactive for repressors), determine protein function, and that the dynamic, relative conformational propensities, rather than the rigid structures, are the hallmark of cell life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Frederick MD 21702 USA
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv 69978 Israel
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute Frederick MD 21702 USA
| | - Yonglan Liu
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute Frederick MD 21702 USA
| | - Wengang Zhang
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute Frederick MD 21702 USA
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Frederick MD 21702 USA
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute Frederick MD 21702 USA
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19
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Schaefer I, Verkest C, Vespermann L, Mair T, Voß H, Zeitzschel N, Lechner SG. Protein kinase A mediates modality-specific modulation of the mechanically-gated ion channel PIEZO2. J Biol Chem 2023:104782. [PMID: 37146970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase A is a downstream effector of many inflammatory mediators that induce pain hypersensitivity by increasing the mechanosensitivity of nociceptive sensory afferent. Here we examine the molecular mechanism underlying protein kinase-A-dependent modulation of the mechanically-activated ion channel PIEZO2, which confers mechanosensitivity to many nociceptors. Using phosphorylation site prediction algorithms, we identified multiple putative and highly conserved PKA phosphorylation sites located on intracellular intrinsically disordered regions of PIEZO2. Site-directed mutagenesis and patch-clamp recordings showed that substitution of one or multiple putative PKA sites within a single intracellular domain does not alter PKA-induced PIEZO2 sensitization, whereas mutation of a combination of nine putative sites located on four different intracellular regions completely abolishes PKA-dependent PIEZO2 modulation, though it remains unclear whether all or just some of these nine sites are required. By demonstrating that PIEZO1 is not modulated by PKA, our data also reveals a previously unrecognized functional difference between PIEZO1 and PIEZO2. Moreover, by demonstrating that PKA only modulates PIEZO2 currents evoked by focal mechanical indentation of the cell, but not currents evoked by pressure-induced membrane stretch, we provide evidence suggesting that PIEZO2 is a polymodal mechanosensor that engages different protein domains for detecting different types of mechanical stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Schaefer
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Clement Verkest
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lucas Vespermann
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Mair
- Section for Mass-Spectrometry and Proteomics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hannah Voß
- Section for Mass-Spectrometry and Proteomics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nadja Zeitzschel
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan G Lechner
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
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20
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Ehret T, Heißenberg T, de Buhr S, Aponte-Santamaría C, Steinem C, Gräter F. FERM domains recruit ample PI(4,5)P 2s to form extensive protein-membrane attachments. Biophys J 2023; 122:1325-1333. [PMID: 36814382 PMCID: PMC10111351 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The four-point-one ezrin-radixin-moesin homology (FERM) protein domain is a multifunctional protein-lipid binding site, constituting an integral part of numerous membrane-associated proteins. Its interaction with the lipid phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), located at the inner leaflet of eukaryotic plasma membranes, is important for localization, anchorage, and activation of FERM-containing proteins. FERM-PIP2 complexes structurally determined so far exclusively feature a 1:1 binding stoichiometry of protein and lipid, with a few basic FERM residues neutralizing the -4 charge of the bound PIP2. Whether this picture from static crystal structures also applies to the dynamic interaction of FERM domains on PIP2 membranes is unknown. We here quantified the stoichiometry of FERM-PIP2 binding in a lipid bilayer using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and experiments on solid supported membranes for the FERM domains of focal adhesion kinase and ezrin. In contrast to the structural data, we find much higher average stoichiometries of FERM-PIP2 binding, amounting to 1:3 or 1:4 ratios, respectively. In simulations, the full set of basic residues at the membrane interface, 7 and 15 residues for focal adhesion kinase and ezrin, respectively, engages in PIP2 interactions. In addition, Na ions enter the FERM-membrane binding interface, compensating negative PIP2 charges in case of high charge surpluses from bound PIP2. We propose the multivalent binding of FERM domains to PIP2 in lipid bilayers to significantly enhance the stability of FERM-membrane binding and to render the FERM-membrane linkage highly adjustable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ehret
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tim Heißenberg
- Institute of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Max Planck School Matter to Life, Heidelberg and Göttingen, Germany
| | - Svenja de Buhr
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Claudia Steinem
- Institute of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Max Planck School Matter to Life, Heidelberg and Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Frauke Gräter
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Heidelberg, Germany; Max Planck School Matter to Life, Heidelberg and Göttingen, Germany; Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
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21
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Song G, Zhong B, Zhang B, Rehman AU, Chen HF. Phosphorylation Modification Force Field FB18CMAP Improving Conformation Sampling of Phosphoproteins. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:1602-1614. [PMID: 36800279 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorylation of proteins plays an important regulatory role at almost all levels of cellular organization. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is a promising tool to reveal the mechanism of how phosphorylation regulates many key biological processes at the atomistic level. MD simulation accuracy depends on force field precision, while the current force fields for phospho-amino acids have resulted in notable inconsistency with experimental data. Here, a new force field parameter (named FB18CMAP) is generated by fitting against quantum mechanics (QM) energy in aqueous solution with φ/ψ dihedral potential-energy surfaces optimized using CMAP parameters. MD simulations of phosphorylated dipeptides, intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), and ordered (folded) proteins show that FB18CMAP can mimic NMR observables and structural characteristics of phosphorylated dipeptides and proteins more accurately than the FB18 force field. These findings suggest that FB18CMAP performs well in both the simulation of ordered and disordered states of phosphorylated proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Song
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Experimental Teaching Center for Life Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Bozitao Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Experimental Teaching Center for Life Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Experimental Teaching Center for Life Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ashfaq Ur Rehman
- Departments of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Hai-Feng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Experimental Teaching Center for Life Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.,Shanghai Center for Bioinformation Technology, Shanghai 200240, China
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22
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Sagan SM, Weber SC. Let's phase it: viruses are master architects of biomolecular condensates. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:229-243. [PMID: 36272892 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2022.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Viruses compartmentalize their replication and assembly machinery to both evade detection and concentrate the viral proteins and nucleic acids necessary for genome replication and virion production. Accumulating evidence suggests that diverse RNA and DNA viruses form replication organelles and nucleocapsid assembly sites using phase separation. In general, the biogenesis of these compartments is regulated by two types of viral protein, collectively known as antiterminators and nucleocapsid proteins, respectively. Herein, we discuss how RNA viruses establish replication organelles and nucleocapsid assembly sites, and the evidence that these compartments form through phase separation. While this review focuses on RNA viruses, accumulating evidence suggests that all viruses rely on phase separation and form biomolecular condensates important for completing the infectious cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selena M Sagan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Stephanie C Weber
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Physics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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23
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Tesei G, Lindorff-Larsen K. Improved predictions of phase behaviour of intrinsically disordered proteins by tuning the interaction range. OPEN RESEARCH EUROPE 2023; 2:94. [PMID: 37645312 PMCID: PMC10450847 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.14967.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The formation and viscoelastic properties of condensates of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) is dictated by amino acid sequence and solution conditions. Because of the involvement of biomolecular condensates in cell physiology and disease, advancing our understanding of the relationship between protein sequence and phase separation (PS) may have important implications in the formulation of new therapeutic hypotheses. Here, we present CALVADOS 2, a coarse-grained model of IDPs that accurately predicts conformational properties and propensities to undergo PS for diverse sequences and solution conditions. In particular, we systematically study the effect of varying the range of the nonionic interactions and use our findings to improve the temperature scale of the model. We further optimize the residue-specific model parameters against experimental data on the conformational properties of 55 proteins, while also leveraging 70 hydrophobicity scales from the literature to avoid overfitting the training data. Extensive testing shows that the model accurately predicts chain compaction and PS propensity for sequences of diverse length and charge patterning, as well as at different temperatures and salt concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Tesei
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory & the Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kresten Lindorff-Larsen
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory & the Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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24
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Tesei G, Lindorff-Larsen K. Improved predictions of phase behaviour of intrinsically disordered proteins by tuning the interaction range. OPEN RESEARCH EUROPE 2023; 2:94. [PMID: 37645312 PMCID: PMC10450847 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.14967.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
The formation and viscoelastic properties of condensates of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) is dictated by amino acid sequence and solution conditions. Because of the involvement of biomolecular condensates in cell physiology and disease, advancing our understanding of the relationship between protein sequence and phase separation (PS) may have important implications in the formulation of new therapeutic hypotheses. Here, we present CALVADOS 2, a coarse-grained model of IDPs that accurately predicts conformational properties and propensities to undergo PS for diverse sequences and solution conditions. In particular, we systematically study the effect of varying the range of the nonionic interactions and use our findings to improve the temperature scale of the model. We further optimize the residue-specific model parameters against experimental data on the conformational properties of 55 proteins, while also leveraging 70 hydrophobicity scales from the literature to avoid overfitting the training data. Extensive testing shows that the model accurately predicts chain compaction and PS propensity for sequences of diverse length and charge patterning, as well as at different temperatures and salt concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Tesei
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory & the Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kresten Lindorff-Larsen
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory & the Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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25
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Newcombe EA, Delaforge E, Hartmann-Petersen R, Skriver K, Kragelund BB. How phosphorylation impacts intrinsically disordered proteins and their function. Essays Biochem 2022; 66:901-913. [PMID: 36350035 PMCID: PMC9760426 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Phosphorylation is the most common post-translational modification (PTM) in eukaryotes, occurring particularly frequently in intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). These proteins are highly flexible and dynamic by nature. Thus, it is intriguing that the addition of a single phosphoryl group to a disordered chain can impact its function so dramatically. Furthermore, as many IDPs carry multiple phosphorylation sites, the number of possible states increases, enabling larger complexities and novel mechanisms. Although a chemically simple and well-understood process, the impact of phosphorylation on the conformational ensemble and molecular function of IDPs, not to mention biological output, is highly complex and diverse. Since the discovery of the first phosphorylation site in proteins 75 years ago, we have come to a much better understanding of how this PTM works, but with the diversity of IDPs and their capacity for carrying multiple phosphoryl groups, the complexity grows. In this Essay, we highlight some of the basic effects of IDP phosphorylation, allowing it to serve as starting point when embarking on studies into this topic. We further describe how recent complex cases of multisite phosphorylation of IDPs have been instrumental in widening our view on the effect of protein phosphorylation. Finally, we put forward perspectives on the phosphorylation of IDPs, both in relation to disease and in context of other PTMs; areas where deep insight remains to be uncovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estella A Newcombe
- REPIN, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- The Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Elise Delaforge
- REPIN, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- The Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Hartmann-Petersen
- REPIN, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Karen Skriver
- REPIN, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Birthe B Kragelund
- REPIN, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- The Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
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26
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Intrinsically Disordered Proteins: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214050. [PMID: 36430530 PMCID: PMC9693201 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Many proteins and protein segments cannot attain a single stable three-dimensional structure under physiological conditions; instead, they adopt multiple interconverting conformational states. Such intrinsically disordered proteins or protein segments are highly abundant across proteomes, and are involved in various effector functions. This review focuses on different aspects of disordered proteins and disordered protein regions, which form the basis of the so-called "Disorder-function paradigm" of proteins. Additionally, various experimental approaches and computational tools used for characterizing disordered regions in proteins are discussed. Finally, the role of disordered proteins in diseases and their utility as potential drug targets are explored.
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27
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Usher ET, Showalter SA. Biophysical insights into glucose-dependent transcriptional regulation by PDX1. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102623. [PMID: 36272648 PMCID: PMC9691942 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1) is a central regulator of glucose-dependent transcription of insulin in pancreatic β cells. PDX1 transcription factor activity is integral to the development and sustained health of the pancreas; accordingly, deciphering the complex network of cellular cues that lead to PDX1 activation or inactivation is an important step toward understanding the etiopathologies of pancreatic diseases and the development of novel therapeutics. Despite nearly 3 decades of research into PDX1 control of Insulin expression, the molecular mechanisms that dictate the function of PDX1 in response to glucose are still elusive. The transcriptional activation functions of PDX1 are regulated, in part, by its two intrinsically disordered regions, which pose a barrier to its structural and biophysical characterization. Indeed, many studies of PDX1 interactions, clinical mutations, and posttranslational modifications lack molecular level detail. Emerging methods for the quantitative study of intrinsically disordered regions and refined models for transactivation now enable us to validate and interrogate the biochemical and biophysical features of PDX1 that dictate its function. The goal of this review is to summarize existing PDX1 studies and, further, to generate a comprehensive resource for future studies of transcriptional control via PDX1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emery T Usher
- Center for Eukaryotic Gene Regulation, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Scott A Showalter
- Center for Eukaryotic Gene Regulation, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA.
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28
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Sridharan S, Hernandez-Armendariz A, Kurzawa N, Potel CM, Memon D, Beltrao P, Bantscheff M, Huber W, Cuylen-Haering S, Savitski MM. Systematic discovery of biomolecular condensate-specific protein phosphorylation. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:1104-1114. [PMID: 35864335 PMCID: PMC9512703 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01062-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Reversible protein phosphorylation is an important mechanism for regulating (dis)assembly of biomolecular condensates. However, condensate-specific phosphosites remain largely unknown, thereby limiting our understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Here, we combine solubility proteome profiling with phosphoproteomics to quantitatively map several hundred phosphosites enriched in either soluble or condensate-bound protein subpopulations, including a subset of phosphosites modulating protein-RNA interactions. We show that multi-phosphorylation of the C-terminal disordered segment of heteronuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (HNRNPA1), a key RNA-splicing factor, reduces its ability to locate to nuclear clusters. For nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1), an essential nucleolar protein, we show that phosphorylation of S254 and S260 is crucial for lowering its partitioning to the nucleolus and additional phosphorylation of distal sites enhances its retention in the nucleoplasm. These phosphorylation events decrease RNA and protein interactions of NPM1 to regulate its condensation. Our dataset is a rich resource for systematically uncovering the phosphoregulation of biomolecular condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindhuja Sridharan
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alberto Hernandez-Armendariz
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany
- Collaboration for joint PhD degree between EMBL and Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nils Kurzawa
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Clement M Potel
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Danish Memon
- European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Hinxton, UK
| | - Pedro Beltrao
- European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Hinxton, UK
| | | | - Wolfgang Huber
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Mikhail M Savitski
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany.
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29
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Nussinov R, Zhang M, Maloney R, Liu Y, Tsai CJ, Jang H. Allostery: Allosteric Cancer Drivers and Innovative Allosteric Drugs. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167569. [PMID: 35378118 PMCID: PMC9398924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Here, we discuss the principles of allosteric activating mutations, propagation downstream of the signals that they prompt, and allosteric drugs, with examples from the Ras signaling network. We focus on Abl kinase where mutations shift the landscape toward the active, imatinib binding-incompetent conformation, likely resulting in the high affinity ATP outcompeting drug binding. Recent pharmacological innovation extends to allosteric inhibitor (GNF-5)-linked PROTAC, targeting Bcr-Abl1 myristoylation site, and broadly, allosteric heterobifunctional degraders that destroy targets, rather than inhibiting them. Designed chemical linkers in bifunctional degraders can connect the allosteric ligand that binds the target protein and the E3 ubiquitin ligase warhead anchor. The physical properties and favored conformational state of the engineered linker can precisely coordinate the distance and orientation between the target and the recruited E3. Allosteric PROTACs, noncompetitive molecular glues, and bitopic ligands, with covalent links of allosteric ligands and orthosteric warheads, increase the effective local concentration of productively oriented and placed ligands. Through covalent chemical or peptide linkers, allosteric drugs can collaborate with competitive drugs, degrader anchors, or other molecules of choice, driving innovative drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Mingzhen Zhang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Ryan Maloney
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Yonglan Liu
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Chung-Jung Tsai
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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30
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Alonso-Fernández S, Arribas-Díez I, Fernández-García G, González-Quiñónez N, Jensen ON, Manteca A. Quantitative phosphoproteome analysis of Streptomyces coelicolor by immobilized zirconium (IV) affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry reveals novel regulated protein phosphorylation sites and sequence motifs. J Proteomics 2022; 269:104719. [PMID: 36089190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104719] [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: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Streptomycetes are multicellular gram-positive bacteria that produce many bioactive compounds, including antibiotics, antitumorals and immunosuppressors. The Streptomyces phosphoproteome remains largely uncharted even though protein phosphorylation at Ser/Thr/Tyr is known to modulate morphological differentiation and specialized metabolic processes. We here expand the S. coelicolor phosphoproteome by optimised immobilized zirconium (IV) affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify phosphoproteins at the vegetative and sporulating stages. We mapped 361 phosphorylation sites (41% pSer, 56.2% pThr, 2.8% pTyr) and discovered four novel Thr phosphorylation motifs ("Kxxxx(pT)xxxxK", "DxE(pT)", "D(pT)" and "Exxxxx(pT)") in 351 phosphopeptides derived from 187 phosphoproteins. We identified 154 novel phosphoproteins, thereby almost doubling the number of experimentally verified Streptomyces phosphoproteins. Novel phosphoproteins included cell division proteins (FtsK, CrgA) and specialized metabolism regulators (ArgR, AfsR, CutR and HrcA) that were differentially phosphorylated in the vegetative and in the antibiotic producing sporulating stages. Phosphoproteins involved in primary metabolism included 27 novel ribosomal proteins that were phosphorylated during the vegetative stage. Phosphorylation of these proteins likely participate in the intricate and incompletely understood regulation of Streptomyces development and secondary metabolism. We conclude that Zr(IV)-IMAC is an efficient and sensitive method to study protein phosphorylation and regulation in bacteria and enhance our understanding of bacterial signalling. SIGNIFICANCE: Two thirds of the secondary metabolites used in clinic, especially antibiotics, were discovered in Streptomyces strains. Antibiotic resistance became one of the major challenges in clinic, and new antibiotics are urgently required in clinic. Next-generation sequencing analyses revealed that streptomycetes harbour many cryptic secondary metabolite pathways, i.e. pathways not expressed in the laboratory. Secondary metabolism is tightly connected with hypha differentiation and sporulation, and understanding Streptomyces differentiation is one of the main challenges in industrial microbiology, in order to activate the expression of cryptic pathways in the laboratory. Protein phosphorylation at Ser/Thr/Tyr modulates development and secondary metabolism, but the Streptomyces phosphoproteome is still largely uncharted. Previous S. coelicolor phosphoproteomic studies used TiO2 affinity enrichment and LC-MS/MS identifying a total of 184 Streptomyces phosphoproteins. Here, we used by first time zirconium (IV) affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry, identifying 186 S. coelicolor phosphoproteins. Most of these phosphoproteins (154) were not identified in previous phosphoproteomic studies using TiO2 affinity enrichment. Thereby we almost doubling the number of experimentally verified Streptomyces phosphoproteins. Zr(IV)-IMAC affinity chromatography also worked in E. coli, allowing the identification of phosphoproteins that were not identified by TiO2 affinity chromatography. We conclude that Zr(IV)-IMAC is an efficient and sensitive method for studies of protein phosphorylation and regulation in bacteria to enhance our understanding of bacterial signalling networks. Moreover, the new Streptomyces phosphoproteins identified will contribute to design further works to understand and modulate Streptomyces secondary metabolism activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Alonso-Fernández
- Área de Microbiología, Departamento de Biología Funcional, IUOPA, ISPA, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ignacio Arribas-Díez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and VILLUM Center for Bioanalytical Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Gemma Fernández-García
- Área de Microbiología, Departamento de Biología Funcional, IUOPA, ISPA, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Nathaly González-Quiñónez
- Área de Microbiología, Departamento de Biología Funcional, IUOPA, ISPA, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ole N Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and VILLUM Center for Bioanalytical Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark.
| | - Angel Manteca
- Área de Microbiología, Departamento de Biología Funcional, IUOPA, ISPA, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain.
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31
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Nussinov R, Zhang M, Liu Y, Jang H. AlphaFold, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Allostery. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:6372-6383. [PMID: 35976160 PMCID: PMC9442638 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c04346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AlphaFold has burst into our lives. A powerful algorithm that underscores the strength of biological sequence data and artificial intelligence (AI). AlphaFold has appended projects and research directions. The database it has been creating promises an untold number of applications with vast potential impacts that are still difficult to surmise. AI approaches can revolutionize personalized treatments and usher in better-informed clinical trials. They promise to make giant leaps toward reshaping and revamping drug discovery strategies, selecting and prioritizing combinations of drug targets. Here, we briefly overview AI in structural biology, including in molecular dynamics simulations and prediction of microbiota-human protein-protein interactions. We highlight the advancements accomplished by the deep-learning-powered AlphaFold in protein structure prediction and their powerful impact on the life sciences. At the same time, AlphaFold does not resolve the decades-long protein folding challenge, nor does it identify the folding pathways. The models that AlphaFold provides do not capture conformational mechanisms like frustration and allostery, which are rooted in ensembles, and controlled by their dynamic distributions. Allostery and signaling are properties of populations. AlphaFold also does not generate ensembles of intrinsically disordered proteins and regions, instead describing them by their low structural probabilities. Since AlphaFold generates single ranked structures, rather than conformational ensembles, it cannot elucidate the mechanisms of allosteric activating driver hotspot mutations nor of allosteric drug resistance. However, by capturing key features, deep learning techniques can use the single predicted conformation as the basis for generating a diverse ensemble.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational
Structural Biology Section, Frederick National
Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
- Department
of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Mingzhen Zhang
- Computational
Structural Biology Section, Frederick National
Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Yonglan Liu
- Cancer
Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational
Structural Biology Section, Frederick National
Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
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32
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Zeng X, Ruff KM, Pappu RV. Competing interactions give rise to two-state behavior and switch-like transitions in charge-rich intrinsically disordered proteins. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2200559119. [PMID: 35512095 PMCID: PMC9171777 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2200559119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The most commonly occurring intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are polyampholytes, which are defined by the duality of low net charge per residue and high fractions of charged residues. Recent experiments have uncovered nuances regarding sequence–ensemble relationships of model polyampholytic IDPs. These include differences in conformational preferences for sequences with lysine vs. arginine and the suggestion that well-mixed sequences form a range of conformations, including globules, conformations with ensemble averages that are reminiscent of ideal chains, or self-avoiding walks. Here, we explain these observations by analyzing results from atomistic simulations. We find that polyampholytic IDPs generally sample two distinct stable states, namely, globules and self-avoiding walks. Globules are favored by electrostatic attractions between oppositely charged residues, whereas self-avoiding walks are favored by favorable free energies of hydration of charged residues. We find sequence-specific temperatures of bistability at which globules and self-avoiding walks can coexist. At these temperatures, ensemble averages over coexisting states give rise to statistics that resemble ideal chains without there being an actual counterbalancing of intrachain and chain-solvent interactions. At equivalent temperatures, arginine-rich sequences tilt the preference toward globular conformations whereas lysine-rich sequences tilt the preference toward self-avoiding walks. We also identify differences between aspartate- and glutamate-containing sequences, whereby the shorter aspartate side chain engenders preferences for metastable, necklace-like conformations. Finally, although segregation of oppositely charged residues within the linear sequence maintains the overall two-state behavior, compact states are highly favored by such systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangze Zeng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130
- Center for Science & Engineering of Living Systems, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Kiersten M. Ruff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130
- Center for Science & Engineering of Living Systems, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Rohit V. Pappu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130
- Center for Science & Engineering of Living Systems, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130
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33
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Salem A, Wilson CJ, Rutledge BS, Dilliott A, Farhan S, Choy WY, Duennwald ML. Matrin3: Disorder and ALS Pathogenesis. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:794646. [PMID: 35083279 PMCID: PMC8784776 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.794646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. ALS is associated with protein misfolding and inclusion formation involving RNA-binding proteins, including TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) and fused in sarcoma (FUS). The 125-kDa Matrin3 is a highly conserved nuclear DNA/RNA-binding protein that is implicated in many cellular processes, including binding and stabilizing mRNA, regulating mRNA nuclear export, modulating alternative splicing, and managing chromosomal distribution. Mutations in MATR3, the gene encoding Matrin3, have been identified as causal in familial ALS (fALS). Matrin3 lacks a prion-like domain that characterizes many other ALS-associated RNA-binding proteins, including TDP-43 and FUS, however, our bioinformatics analyses and preliminary studies document that Matrin3 contains long intrinsically disordered regions that may facilitate promiscuous interactions with many proteins and may contribute to its misfolding. In addition, these disordered regions in Matrin3 undergo numerous post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination and acetylation that modulate the function and misfolding of the protein. Here we discuss the disordered nature of Matrin3 and review the factors that may promote its misfolding and aggregation, two elements that might explain its role in ALS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Salem
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Carter J. Wilson
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Benjamin S. Rutledge
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Allison Dilliott
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill Universty, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sali Farhan
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill Universty, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill Universty, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Wing-Yiu Choy
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Martin L. Duennwald
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Martin IM, Aponte-Santamaría C, Schmidt L, Hedtfeld M, Iusupov A, Musacchio A, Gräter F. Phosphorylation tunes elongation propensity and cohesiveness of INCENP's intrinsically disordered region. J Mol Biol 2021; 434:167387. [PMID: 34883116 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The inner centromere protein, INCENP, is crucial for correct chromosome segregation during mitosis. It connects the kinase Aurora B to the inner centromere allowing this kinase to dynamically access its kinetochore targets. However, the function of its central, 440-residue long intrinsically disordered region (IDR) and its multiple phosphorylation sites is unclear. Here, we determined the conformational ensemble of INCENP's IDR, systematically varying the level of phosphorylation, using all-atom and coarse-grain molecular dynamics simulations. Our simulations show that phosphorylation expands INCENP's IDR, both locally and globally, mainly by increasing its overall net charge. The disordered region undergoes critical globule-to-coil conformational transitions and the transition temperature non-monotonically depends on the degree of phosphorylation, with a mildly phosphorylated case of neutral net charge featuring the highest collapse propensity. The IDR transitions from a multitude of globular states, accompanied by several specific internal contacts that reduce INCENP length by loop formation, to weakly interacting and highly extended coiled conformations. Phosphorylation critically shifts the population between these two regimes. It thereby influences cohesiveness and phase behavior of INCENP IDR assemblies, a feature presumably relevant for INCENP's function in the chromosomal passenger complex. Overall, we propose the disordered region of INCENP to act as a phosphorylation-regulated and length-variable component, within the previously defined "dog-leash" model, that thereby regulates how Aurora B reaches its targets for proper chromosome segregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel M Martin
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, Schloss-Wolfsbrunnenweg 35, 69118 Heidelberg, Germany. https://twitter.com/@IsabelMMartin
| | - Camilo Aponte-Santamaría
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, Schloss-Wolfsbrunnenweg 35, 69118 Heidelberg, Germany; Max Planck Tandem Group in Computational Biophysics, University of Los Andes, Cra. 1 #18a-12, 111711 Bogotá, Colombia. https://twitter.com/@camiloapontelab
| | - Lisa Schmidt
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, Schloss-Wolfsbrunnenweg 35, 69118 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marius Hedtfeld
- Department of Mechanistic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Straße 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany; International Max Planck Research School for Living Matter, Otto-Hahn-Straße 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany; Centre for Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Adel Iusupov
- Department of Mechanistic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Straße 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany; University of Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andrea Musacchio
- Department of Mechanistic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Straße 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany; Centre for Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany. https://twitter.com/@AndreaMusacchi1
| | - Frauke Gräter
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, Schloss-Wolfsbrunnenweg 35, 69118 Heidelberg, Germany; Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing, Heidelberg University, INF 205, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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35
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Rieloff E, Skepö M. The Effect of Multisite Phosphorylation on the Conformational Properties of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11058. [PMID: 34681718 PMCID: PMC8541499 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins are involved in many biological processes such as signaling, regulation, and recognition. A common strategy to regulate their function is through phosphorylation, as it can induce changes in conformation, dynamics, and interactions with binding partners. Although phosphorylated intrinsically disordered proteins have received increased attention in recent years, a full understanding of the conformational and structural implications of phosphorylation has not yet been achieved. Here, we present all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of five disordered peptides originated from tau, statherin, and β-casein, in both phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated state, to compare changes in global dimensions and structural elements, in an attempt to gain more insight into the controlling factors. The changes are in qualitative agreement with experimental data, and we observe that the net charge is not enough to predict the impact of phosphorylation on the global dimensions. Instead, the distribution of phosphorylated and positively charged residues throughout the sequence has great impact due to the formation of salt bridges. In statherin, a preference for arginine-phosphoserine interaction over arginine-tyrosine accounts for a global expansion, despite a local contraction of the phosphorylated region, which implies that also non-charged residues can influence the effect of phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Rieloff
- Division of Theoretical Chemistry, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden;
| | - Marie Skepö
- Division of Theoretical Chemistry, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden;
- LINXS—Lund Institute of Advanced Neutron and X-ray Science, Scheelevägen 19, SE-223 70 Lund, Sweden
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Rieloff E, Skepö M. Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Phosphorylated Intrinsically Disordered Proteins: A Force Field Comparison. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10174. [PMID: 34576338 PMCID: PMC8470740 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphorylation is a common post-translational modification among intrinsically disordered proteins and regions, which helps regulate function by changing the protein conformations, dynamics, and interactions with binding partners. To fully comprehend the effects of phosphorylation, computer simulations are a helpful tool, although they are dependent on the accuracy of the force field used. Here, we compared the conformational ensembles produced by Amber ff99SB-ILDN+TIP4P-D and CHARMM36m, for four phosphorylated disordered peptides ranging in length from 14-43 residues. CHARMM36m consistently produced more compact conformations with a higher content of bends, mainly due to more stable salt bridges. Based on comparisons with experimental size estimates for the shortest and longest peptide, CHARMM36m appeared to overestimate the compactness. The difference between the force fields was largest for the peptide showing the greatest separation between positively charged and phosphorylated residues, in line with the importance of charge distribution. For this peptide, the conformational ensemble did not change significantly upon increasing the ionic strength from 0 mM to 150 mM, despite a reduction of the salt-bridging probability in the CHARMM36m simulations, implying that salt concentration has negligible effects in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Rieloff
- Division of Theoretical Chemistry, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden;
| | - Marie Skepö
- Division of Theoretical Chemistry, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden;
- LINXS—Lund Institute of Advanced Neutron and X-ray Science, Scheelevägen 19, SE-223 70 Lund, Sweden
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