1
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Sulatsky MI, Belousov MV, Kosolapova AO, Mikhailova EV, Romanenko MN, Antonets KS, Kuznetsova IM, Turoverov KK, Nizhnikov AA, Sulatskaya AI. Amyloid Fibrils of Pisum sativum L. Vicilin Inhibit Pathological Aggregation of Mammalian Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12932. [PMID: 37629113 PMCID: PMC10454621 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Although incurable pathologies associated with the formation of highly ordered fibrillar protein aggregates called amyloids have been known for about two centuries, functional roles of amyloids have been studied for only two decades. Recently, we identified functional amyloids in plants. These amyloids formed using garden pea Pisum sativum L. storage globulin and vicilin, accumulated during the seed maturation and resisted treatment with gastric enzymes and canning. Thus, vicilin amyloids ingested with food could interact with mammalian proteins. In this work, we analyzed the effects of vicilin amyloids on the fibril formation of proteins that form pathological amyloids. We found that vicilin amyloids inhibit the fibrillogenesis of these proteins. In particular, vicilin amyloids decrease the number and length of lysozyme amyloid fibrils; the length and width of β-2-microglobulin fibrils; the number, length and the degree of clustering of β-amyloid fibrils; and, finally, they change the structure and decrease the length of insulin fibrils. Such drastic influences of vicilin amyloids on the pathological amyloids' formation cause the alteration of their toxicity for mammalian cells, which decreases for all tested amyloids with the exception of insulin. Taken together, our study, for the first time, demonstrates the anti-amyloid effect of vicilin fibrils and suggests the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksim I. Sulatsky
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (M.I.S.); (E.V.M.); (I.M.K.); (K.K.T.)
| | - Mikhail V. Belousov
- All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology, 196608 St. Petersburg, Russia; (M.V.B.); (A.O.K.); (M.N.R.); (K.S.A.)
- Faculty of Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anastasiia O. Kosolapova
- All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology, 196608 St. Petersburg, Russia; (M.V.B.); (A.O.K.); (M.N.R.); (K.S.A.)
- Faculty of Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ekaterina V. Mikhailova
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (M.I.S.); (E.V.M.); (I.M.K.); (K.K.T.)
| | - Maria N. Romanenko
- All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology, 196608 St. Petersburg, Russia; (M.V.B.); (A.O.K.); (M.N.R.); (K.S.A.)
- Faculty of Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Kirill S. Antonets
- All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology, 196608 St. Petersburg, Russia; (M.V.B.); (A.O.K.); (M.N.R.); (K.S.A.)
- Faculty of Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Irina M. Kuznetsova
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (M.I.S.); (E.V.M.); (I.M.K.); (K.K.T.)
| | - Konstantin K. Turoverov
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (M.I.S.); (E.V.M.); (I.M.K.); (K.K.T.)
| | - Anton A. Nizhnikov
- All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology, 196608 St. Petersburg, Russia; (M.V.B.); (A.O.K.); (M.N.R.); (K.S.A.)
- Faculty of Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna I. Sulatskaya
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (M.I.S.); (E.V.M.); (I.M.K.); (K.K.T.)
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2
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Kumar R. Structure and functions of the N-terminal domain of steroid hormone receptors. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 123:399-416. [PMID: 37717992 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
The steroid hormone receptors (SHRs) belong to the large superfamily of nuclear receptors that selectively modulate gene expression in response to specific hormone ligands. The SHRs are required in a broad range of normal physiological processes as well as associated with numerous pathological conditions. Over years, the understanding of the SHR biology and mechanisms of their actions on target cells have found many clinical applications and management of various endocrine-related disorders. However, the effectiveness of SHR-based therapies in endocrine-related cancers remain a clinical challenge. This, in part, is due to the lack of in-depth understanding of structural dynamics and functions of SHRs' intrinsically disordered N-terminal domain (NTD). Recent progress in delineating SHR structural information and their correlations with receptor action in a highly dynamic environment is ultimately helping to explain how diverse SHR signaling mechanisms can elicit selective biological effects. Recent developments are providing new insights of how NTD's structural flexibility plays an important role in SHRs' allosteric regulation leading to the fine tuning of target gene expression to more precisely control SHRs' cell/tissue-specific functions. In this review article, we are discussing the up-to-date knowledge about the SHR actions with a particular emphasis on the structure and functions of the NTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Touro College of Pharmacy, New York, NY, United States.
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3
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NFAT5, which protects against hypertonicity, is activated by that stress via structuring of its intrinsically disordered domain. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:20292-20297. [PMID: 32747529 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1911680117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells 5 (NFAT5) is a transcription factor (TF) that mediates protection from adverse effects of hypertonicity by increasing transcription of genes, including those that lead to cellular accumulation of protective organic osmolytes. NFAT5 has three intrinsically ordered (ID) activation domains (ADs). Using the NFAT5 N-terminal domain (NTD), which contains AD1, as a model, we demonstrate by biophysical methods that the NTD senses osmolytes and hypertonicity, resulting in stabilization of its ID regions. In the presence of sufficient NaCl or osmolytes, trehalose and sorbitol, the NFAT5 NTD undergoes a disorder-to-order shift, adopting higher average secondary and tertiary structure. Thus, NFAT5 is activated by the stress that it protects against. In its salt and/or osmolyte-induced more ordered conformation, the NTD interacts with several proteins, including HMGI-C, which is known to protect against apoptosis. These findings raise the possibility that the increased intracellular ionic strength and elevated osmolytes caused by hypertonicity activate and stabilize NFAT5.
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4
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van Weert LTCM, Buurstede JC, Sips HCM, Vettorazzi S, Mol IM, Hartmann J, Prekovic S, Zwart W, Schmidt MV, Roozendaal B, Tuckermann JP, Sarabdjitsingh RA, Meijer OC. Identification of mineralocorticoid receptor target genes in the mouse hippocampus. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12735. [PMID: 31121060 PMCID: PMC6771480 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Brain mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) respond to the same glucocorticoid hormones but can have differential effects on cellular function. Several lines of evidence suggest that MR-specific target genes must exist and might underlie the distinct effects of the receptors. The present study aimed to identify MR-specific target genes in the hippocampus, a brain region where MR and GR are co-localised and play a role in the stress response. Using genome-wide binding of both receptor types, we previously identified MR-specific, MR-GR overlapping and GR-specific putative target genes. We now report altered gene expression levels of such genes in the hippocampus of forebrain MR knockout (fbMRKO) mice, killed at the time of their endogenous corticosterone peak. Of those genes associated with MR-specific binding, the most robust effect was a 50% reduction in Jun dimerization protein 2 (Jdp2) mRNA levels in fbMRKO mice. Down-regulation was also observed for the MR-specific Nitric oxide synthase 1 adaptor protein (Nos1ap) and Suv3 like RNA helicase (Supv3 l1). Interestingly, the classical glucocorticoid target gene FK506 binding protein 5 (Fkbp5), which is associated with MR and GR chromatin binding, was expressed at substantially lower levels in fbMRKO mice. Subsequently, hippocampal Jdp2 was confirmed to be up-regulated in a restraint stress model, posing Jdp2 as a bona fide MR target that is also responsive in an acute stress condition. Thus, we show that MR-selective DNA binding can reveal functional regulation of genes and further identify distinct MR-specific effector pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa T. C. M. van Weert
- Einthoven LaboratoryDivision of EndocrinologyDepartment of MedicineLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
- Department of Cognitive NeuroscienceRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and BehaviourRadboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Jacobus C. Buurstede
- Einthoven LaboratoryDivision of EndocrinologyDepartment of MedicineLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Hetty C. M. Sips
- Einthoven LaboratoryDivision of EndocrinologyDepartment of MedicineLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Sabine Vettorazzi
- Institute of Comparative Molecular EndocrinologyUniversity of UlmUlmGermany
| | - Isabel M. Mol
- Einthoven LaboratoryDivision of EndocrinologyDepartment of MedicineLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Jakob Hartmann
- Department of PsychiatryHarvard Medical SchoolMcLean HospitalBelmontMassachusetts
| | - Stefan Prekovic
- Division of OncogenomicsOncode InstituteThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Wilbert Zwart
- Division of OncogenomicsOncode InstituteThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Mathias V. Schmidt
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and NeurogeneticsMax Planck Institute of PsychiatryMunichGermany
| | - Benno Roozendaal
- Department of Cognitive NeuroscienceRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and BehaviourRadboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Jan P. Tuckermann
- Institute of Comparative Molecular EndocrinologyUniversity of UlmUlmGermany
| | - R. Angela Sarabdjitsingh
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceUMC Utrecht Brain CenterUniversity Medical CenterUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Onno C. Meijer
- Einthoven LaboratoryDivision of EndocrinologyDepartment of MedicineLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
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5
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Zhao X, Hwang DY, Kao HY. The Role of Glucocorticoid Receptors in Podocytes and Nephrotic Syndrome. NUCLEAR RECEPTOR RESEARCH 2018; 5. [PMID: 30417008 PMCID: PMC6224173 DOI: 10.11131/2018/101323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid receptor (GC), a founding member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, is a glucocorticoid-activated transcription factor that regulates gene expression and controls the development and homeostasis of human podocytes. Synthetic glucocorticoids are the standard treatment regimens for proteinuria (protein in the urine) and nephrotic syndrome (NS) caused by kidney diseases. These include minimal change disease (MCD), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), membranous nephropathy (MN) and immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) or subsequent complications due to diabetes mellitus or HIV infection. However, unwanted side effects and steroid-resistance remain major issues for their long-term use. Furthermore, the mechanism by which glucocorticoids elicit their renoprotective activity in podocyte and glomeruli is poorly understood. Podocytes are highly differentiated epithelial cells that contribute to the integrity of kidney glomerular filtration barrier. Injury or loss of podocytes leads to proteinuria and nephrotic syndrome. Recent studies in multiple experimental models have begun to explore the mechanism of GC action in podocytes. This review will discuss progress in our understanding of the role of glucocorticoid receptor and glucocorticoids in podocyte physiology and their renoprotective activity in nephrotic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
| | - Daw-Yang Hwang
- Division of Nephrology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Ying Kao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
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6
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Birth P, Schöne S, Stelzl U, Meijsing SH. Identification and characterization of BATF3 as a context-specific coactivator of the glucocorticoid receptor. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181219. [PMID: 28708849 PMCID: PMC5510845 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) to regulate the transcriptional output of genes relies on its interactions with transcriptional coregulators. However, which coregulators are required for GR-dependent activation is context-dependent and can be influenced by the sequence of the DNA bound by GR and by the nature of the GR isoform responsible for the regulation of a gene. Here, we screened for GR-interacting proteins for which the interaction signal differed between two GR isoforms GRα and GRγ. These isoforms diverge by a single amino acid insertion in a domain, the lever arm, which adopts DNA sequence-specific conformations. We identify Basic Leucine Zipper ATF-Like Transcription Factor 3 (BATF3), an AP-1 family transcription factor, as a GR coregulator whose interaction with GR is modulated by the lever arm. Further, a combination of experiments uncovered that BATF3 acts as a gene-specific coactivator of GR whose coactivator potency is influenced by the sequence of the GR binding site. Together, our findings suggest that GR isoform and the sequence of GR binding site influence the interaction of GR with BATF3, which might direct the assembly of gene-specific regulatory complexes to fine-tune the expression of individual GR target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Birth
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Ihnestraße 63–73, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefanie Schöne
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Ihnestraße 63–73, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Stelzl
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Ihnestraße 63–73, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz and BioTechMed-Graz, Universitätsplatz 1, Graz, Austria
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7
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Khan SH, Kumar R. Trehalose induced conformational changes in the amyloid-β peptide. Pathol Res Pract 2017; 213:643-648. [PMID: 28552536 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2017.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible and progressive brain disorder featured by the accumulation of Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide, which forms insoluble assemblies that builds up into plaques resulting in cognitive decline and memory loss. The formation of fibrillar amyloid deposits is accompanied by conformational changes of the soluble Aβ peptide into β-sheet structures. Strategies to prevent or reduce Aβ aggregation using small molecules such as trehalose have shown beneficial effects under in vitro cell- and in vivo mouse- models. However, the role of trehalose in reducing Aβ peptide aggregation is still not clear. In the present study, using circular dichroism- and fluorescence emission- spectroscopies, we demonstrated that in the presence of trehalose, Aβ peptide adopts more helical content and undergoes a disorder/order conformational transition. Based on our findings, we conclude that trehalose affects the conformation of Aβ peptide to form α-helical structure, which may inhibit the formation of β-sheets and thereby aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shagufta H Khan
- Department of Basic Sciences, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, 525 Pine Street, Scranton, PA 18509, USA
| | - Raj Kumar
- Department of Basic Sciences, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, 525 Pine Street, Scranton, PA 18509, USA.
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8
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Khan SH, Jasuja R, Kumar R. Trehalose induces functionally active conformation in the intrinsically disordered N-terminal domain of glucocorticoid receptor. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2016; 35:2248-2256. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2016.1214086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shagufta H. Khan
- Department of Basic Sciences, The Commonwealth Medical College, 525 Pine Street, Scranton, PA 18509, USA
| | - Ravi Jasuja
- Research Program in Men’s Health, Boston Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Raj Kumar
- Department of Basic Sciences, The Commonwealth Medical College, 525 Pine Street, Scranton, PA 18509, USA
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9
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The Interactome of the Glucocorticoid Receptor and Its Influence on the Actions of Glucocorticoids in Combatting Inflammatory and Infectious Diseases. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2016; 80:495-522. [PMID: 27169854 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00064-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) have been widely used for decades as a first-line treatment for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, their use is often hampered by the onset of adverse effects or resistance. GCs mediate their effects via binding to glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a transcription factor belonging to the family of nuclear receptors. An important aspect of GR's actions, including its anti-inflammatory capacity, involves its interactions with various proteins, such as transcription factors, cofactors, and modifying enzymes, which codetermine receptor functionality. In this review, we provide a state-of-the-art overview of the protein-protein interactions (PPIs) of GR that positively or negatively affect its anti-inflammatory properties, along with mechanistic insights, if known. Emphasis is placed on the interactions that affect its anti-inflammatory effects in the presence of inflammatory and microbial diseases.
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10
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Zhi X, Zhou XE, Melcher K, Xu HE. Structures and regulation of non-X orphan nuclear receptors: A retinoid hypothesis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 157:27-40. [PMID: 26159912 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors are defined as a family of ligand regulated transcription factors [1-6]. While this definition reflects that ligand binding is a key property of nuclear receptors, it is still a heated subject of debate if all the nuclear receptors (48 human members) can bind ligands (ligands referred here to both physiological and synthetic ligands). Recent studies in nuclear receptor structure biology and pharmacology have undoubtedly increased our knowledge of nuclear receptor functions and their regulation. As a result, they point to new avenues for the discovery and development of nuclear receptor regulators, including nuclear receptor ligands. Here we review the recent literature on orphan nuclear receptor structural analysis and ligand identification, particularly on the orphan nuclear receptors that do not heterodimerize with retinoid X receptors, which we term as non-X orphan receptors. We also propose a speculative "retinoid hypothesis" for a subset of non-X orphan nuclear receptors, which we hope to help shed light on orphan nuclear receptor biology and drug discovery. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Orphan Nuclear Receptors'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyong Zhi
- Laboratory of Structural Sciences, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave., N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; Autophagy Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - X Edward Zhou
- Laboratory of Structural Sciences, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave., N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Karsten Melcher
- Laboratory of Structural Sciences, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave., N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - H Eric Xu
- Laboratory of Structural Sciences, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave., N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; VARI-SIMM Center, Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of MateriaMedica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
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11
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Abstract
Specific conformations of signaling proteins can serve as “signals” in signal transduction by being recognized by receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Tompa
- VIB Structural Biology Research Center (SBRC)
- Brussels
- Belgium
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel
- Brussels
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12
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Dunker AK, Bondos SE, Huang F, Oldfield CJ. Intrinsically disordered proteins and multicellular organisms. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2014; 37:44-55. [PMID: 25307499 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and IDP regions lack stable tertiary structure yet carry out numerous biological functions, especially those associated with signaling, transcription regulation, DNA condensation, cell division, and cellular differentiation. Both post-translational modifications (PTMs) and alternative splicing (AS) expand the functional repertoire of IDPs. Here we propose that an "IDP-based developmental toolkit," which is comprised of IDP regions, PTMs, especially multiple PTMs, within these IDP regions, and AS events within segments of pre-mRNA that code for these same IDP regions, allows functional diversification and environmental responsiveness for molecules that direct the development of complex metazoans.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Keith Dunker
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University Schools of Medicine and Informatics, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States.
| | - Sarah E Bondos
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX 77843, United States.
| | - Fei Huang
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University Schools of Medicine and Informatics, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States.
| | - Christopher J Oldfield
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University Schools of Medicine and Informatics, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States.
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13
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Vandevyver S, Dejager L, Libert C. Comprehensive overview of the structure and regulation of the glucocorticoid receptor. Endocr Rev 2014; 35:671-93. [PMID: 24937701 DOI: 10.1210/er.2014-1010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are among the most prescribed drugs worldwide for the treatment of numerous immune and inflammatory disorders. They exert their actions by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. There are several GR isoforms resulting from alternative RNA splicing and translation initiation of the GR transcript. Additionally, these isoforms are all subject to several transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational modifications, all of which affect the protein's stability and/or function. In this review, we summarize recent knowledge on the distinct GR isoforms and the processes that generate them. We also review the importance of all known transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational modifications, including the regulation of GR by microRNAs. Moreover, we discuss the crucial role of the putative GR-bound DNA sequence as an allosteric ligand influencing GR structure and activity. Finally, we describe how the differential composition and distinct regulation at multiple levels of different GR species could account for the wide and diverse effects of glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Vandevyver
- Inflammation Research Center (S.V., L.D., C.L.), Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, B9052 Ghent, Belgium; and Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology (S.V., L.D., C.L.), Ghent University, B9052 Ghent, Belgium
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14
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Helsen C, Claessens F. Looking at nuclear receptors from a new angle. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 382:97-106. [PMID: 24055275 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Revised: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
While the structures of the DNA- and ligand-binding domains of many nuclear receptors have been determined in great detail; the mechanisms by which these domains interact and possibly 'communicate' is still under debate. The first crystal structures of receptor dimers bound to ligand, DNA and coactivator peptides provided new insights in this matter. The observed binding modes revealed exciting new interaction surfaces between the different nuclear receptor domains. Such interfaces are proposed to be the route through which allosteric signals from the DNA are passed on to the ligand-binding domain and the activating functions of the receptor. The structural determinations of DNA-bound receptor dimers in solution, however, revealed an extended structure of the receptors. Here, we discuss these apparent contradictory structural data and their possible implications for the functioning of nuclear receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Helsen
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, O&N1, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frank Claessens
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, O&N1, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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15
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Tompa P. Multisteric Regulation by Structural Disorder in Modular Signaling Proteins: An Extension of the Concept of Allostery. Chem Rev 2013; 114:6715-32. [DOI: 10.1021/cr4005082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Tompa
- VIB Department of Structural
Biology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Institute of Enzymology, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy
of Sciences, Budapest H-1113, Hungary
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16
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Simons SS, Edwards DP, Kumar R. Minireview: dynamic structures of nuclear hormone receptors: new promises and challenges. Mol Endocrinol 2013; 28:173-82. [PMID: 24284822 DOI: 10.1210/me.2013-1334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic targeting of nuclear receptors (NRs) is presently restricted due to 2 constraints: 1) a limited knowledge of the structural dynamics of intact receptor when complexed to DNA and coregulatory proteins; and 2) the inability to more selectively modulate NR actions at specific organ/gene targets. A major obstacle has been the current lack of understanding about the function and structure of the intrinsically disordered N-terminal domain that contains a major regulatory transcriptional activation function (AF1). Current studies of both mechanism of action and small molecule-selective receptor modulators for clinical uses target the structured pocket of the ligand-binding domain to modulate coregulatory protein interactions with the other activation function AF2. However, these approaches overlook AF1 activity. Recent studies have shown that highly flexible intrinsically disordered regions of transcription factors, including that of the N-terminal domain AF1 of NRs, not only are critical for several aspects of NR action but also can be exploited as drug targets, thereby opening unique opportunities for endocrine-based therapies. In this review article, we discuss the role of structural flexibilities in the allosteric modulation of NR activity and future perspectives for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Stoney Simons
- Steroid Hormones Section (S.S.S.), Laboratory of Endocrinology and Receptor Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892; Departments of Molecular & Cellular Biology and Pathology & Immunology (D.P.E.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030; and Department of Basic Sciences (R.K.), The Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18510
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17
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A naturally occurring insertion of a single amino acid rewires transcriptional regulation by glucocorticoid receptor isoforms. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:17826-31. [PMID: 24127590 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1316235110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to guiding proteins to defined genomic loci, DNA can act as an allosteric ligand that influences protein structure and activity. Here we compared genome-wide binding, transcriptional regulation, and, using NMR, the conformation of two glucocorticoid receptor (GR) isoforms that differ by a single amino acid insertion in the lever arm, a domain that adopts DNA sequence-specific conformations. We show that these isoforms differentially regulate gene expression levels through two mechanisms: differential DNA binding and altered communication between GR domains. Our studies suggest a versatile role for DNA in both modulating GR activity and also in directing the use of GR isoforms. We propose that the lever arm is a "fulcrum" for bidirectional allosteric signaling, conferring conformational changes in the DNA reading head that influence DNA sequence selectivity, as well as conferring changes in the dimerization domain that connect functionally with remote regulatory surfaces, thereby influencing which genes are regulated and the magnitude of their regulation.
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18
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Kumar R, Moure CM, Khan SH, Callaway C, Grimm SL, Goswami D, Griffin PR, Edwards DP. Regulation of the structurally dynamic N-terminal domain of progesterone receptor by protein-induced folding. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:30285-30299. [PMID: 23995840 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.491787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The N-terminal domain (NTD) of steroid receptors harbors a transcriptional activation function (AF1) that is composed of an intrinsically disordered polypeptide. We examined the interaction of the TATA-binding protein (TBP) with the NTD of the progesterone receptor (PR) and its ability to regulate AF1 activity through coupled folding and binding. As assessed by solution phase biophysical methods, the isolated NTD of PR contains a large content of random coil, and it is capable of adopting secondary α-helical structure and more stable tertiary folding either in the presence of the natural osmolyte trimethylamine-N-oxide or through a direct interaction with TBP. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange coupled with mass spectrometry confirmed the highly dynamic intrinsically disordered property of the NTD within the context of full-length PR. Deletion mapping and point mutagenesis defined a region of the NTD (amino acids 350-428) required for structural folding in response to TBP interaction. Overexpression of TBP in cells enhanced transcriptional activity mediated by the PR NTD, and deletion mutations showed that a region (amino acids 327-428), similar to that required for TBP-induced folding, was required for functional response. TBP also increased steroid receptor co-activator 1 (SRC-1) interaction with the PR NTD and cooperated with SRC-1 to stimulate NTD-dependent transcriptional activity. These data suggest that TBP can mediate structural reorganization of the NTD to facilitate the binding of co-activators required for maximal transcriptional activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Kumar
- the Department of Basic Sciences, Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18509
| | - Carmen M Moure
- From the Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology and
| | - Shagufta H Khan
- the Department of Basic Sciences, Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18509
| | | | - Sandra L Grimm
- From the Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology and
| | - Devrishi Goswami
- the Department of Molecular Therapeutics, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, and
| | - Patrick R Griffin
- the Department of Molecular Therapeutics, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, and
| | - Dean P Edwards
- From the Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology and; Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030,.
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19
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Dejean C, Richard D. Mécanismes d’action des glucocorticoïdes. Rev Med Interne 2013; 34:264-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2013.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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20
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Khan SH, Awasthi S, Guo C, Goswami D, Ling J, Griffin PR, Simons SS, Kumar R. Binding of the N-terminal region of coactivator TIF2 to the intrinsically disordered AF1 domain of the glucocorticoid receptor is accompanied by conformational reorganizations. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:44546-60. [PMID: 23132854 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.411330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Control of gene transcription by glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) is important for many physiological processes. Like other steroid hormone receptors, the regulation of target genes by GR is mediated by two transactivation domains: activation function 1 (AF1) in the N-terminal domain and AF2 in the C-terminal ligand-binding domain (LBD). Full receptor activity requires both AF1 and -2 plus assorted coregulatory proteins. Crystal structures of the ligand-bound LBD have provided insight regarding how AF2 interacts with specific coactivators. However, despite its being the major activation domain of GRs, knowledge of AF1 structure/function has languished. This is mainly because of the highly disorganized structure of the GR N-terminal domain. This lack of AF1 structure is shared by all members of the steroid/nuclear receptor superfamily for which it has been examined and AF1 is thought to allow productive interactions with assorted cofactors via protein-induced changes in secondary/tertiary structures. To date, there are no reports of a classical coactivator altering the secondary/tertiary structure of the GR AF1 domain. Earlier, we reported an N-terminal fragment of the p160 coactivator TIF2, called TIF2.0, that binds the GR N-terminal domain and alters GR transcriptional activity. We therefore proposed that TIF2.0 binding to AF1 changes both its conformation and transcriptional activity. We now report that TIF2.0 interacts with the GR AF1 domain to increase the amount of α-helical structure in the complex. Furthermore, TIF2 coactivator activity is observed in the absence of the GR LBD in a manner that requires the AF1 domain. This contrasts with previous models where TIF2 receptor interaction domains binding to GR LBD somehow alter AF1 conformation. Our results establish for the first time that coactivators can modify the structure of the AF1 domain directly via the binding of a second region of the coactivator and suggest a molecular explanation for how coactivators increase the transcriptional activity of GR-agonist complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shagufta H Khan
- Department of Basic Sciences, The Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18509, USA
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21
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Abstract
Ligands for several transcription factors can act as agonists under some conditions and antagonists under others. The structural and molecular bases of such effects are unknown. Previously, we demonstrated how the folding of intrinsically disordered (ID) protein sequences, in particular, and population shifts, in general, could be used to mediate allosteric coupling between different functional domains, a model that has subsequently been validated in several systems. Here it is shown that population redistribution within allosteric systems can be used as a mechanism to tune protein ensembles such that a given ligand can act as both an agonist and an antagonist. Importantly, this mechanism can be robustly encoded in the ensemble, and does not require that the interactions between the ligand and the protein differ when it is acting either as an agonist or an antagonist. Instead, the effect is due to the relative probabilities of states prior to the addition of the ligand. The ensemble view of allostery that is illuminated by these studies suggests that rather than being seen as switches with fixed responses to allosteric activation, ensembles can evolve to be "functionally pluripotent," with the capacity to up or down regulate activity in response to a stimulus. This result not only helps to explain the prevalence of intrinsic disorder in transcription factors and other cell signaling proteins, it provides important insights about the energetic ground rules governing site-to-site communication in all allosteric systems.
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