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Cudia DL, Ahoulou EO, Bej A, Janssen AN, Scholten A, Koch KW, Ames JB. NMR Structure of Retinal Guanylate Cyclase Activating Protein 5 (GCAP5) with R22A Mutation That Abolishes Dimerization and Enhances Cyclase Activation. Biochemistry 2024; 63:1246-1256. [PMID: 38662574 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.4c00046] [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] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Guanylate cyclase activating protein-5 (GCAP5) in zebrafish photoreceptors promotes the activation of membrane receptor retinal guanylate cyclase (GC-E). Previously, we showed the R22A mutation in GCAP5 (GCAP5R22A) abolishes dimerization of GCAP5 and activates GC-E by more than 3-fold compared to that of wild-type GCAP5 (GCAP5WT). Here, we present ITC, NMR, and functional analysis of GCAP5R22A to understand how R22A causes a decreased dimerization affinity and increased cyclase activation. ITC experiments reveal GCAP5R22A binds a total of 3 Ca2+, including two sites in the nanomolar range followed by a single micromolar site. The two nanomolar sites in GCAP5WT were not detected by ITC, suggesting that R22A may affect the binding of Ca2+ to these sites. The NMR-derived structure of GCAP5R22A is overall similar to that of GCAP5WT (RMSD = 2.3 Å), except for local differences near R22A (Q19, W20, Y21, and K23) and an altered orientation of the C-terminal helix near the N-terminal myristate. GCAP5R22A lacks an intermolecular salt bridge between R22 and D71 that may explain the weakened dimerization. We present a structural model of GCAP5 bound to GC-E in which the R22 side-chain contacts exposed hydrophobic residues in GC-E. Cyclase assays suggest that GC-E binds to GCAP5R22A with ∼25% higher affinity compared to GCAP5WT, consistent with more favorable hydrophobic contact by R22A that may help explain the increased cyclase activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana L Cudia
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Effibe O Ahoulou
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Aritra Bej
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Annika N Janssen
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Neuroscience, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Scholten
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Neuroscience, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Karl-W Koch
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Neuroscience, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - James B Ames
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, United States
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Gesemann M, Neuhauss SCF. Evolution of visual guanylyl cyclases and their activating proteins with respect to clade and species-specific visual system adaptation. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1131093. [PMID: 37008786 PMCID: PMC10061024 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1131093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane guanylyl cyclase receptors are important regulators of local cGMP production, critically influencing cell growth and differentiation as well as ion transport, blood pressure and calcium feedback of vertebrate phototransduction. Currently, seven different subtypes of membrane guanylyl cyclase receptors have been characterized. These receptors have tissue specific expression and are activated either by small extracellular ligands, changing CO2 concentrations or, in the case of visual guanylyl cyclases, intracellularly interacting Ca2+-dependent activating proteins. In this report, we focus on the visual guanylyl cyclase receptors (GCs) GC-E (gucy2d/e) and GC-F (gucy2f) and their activating proteins (GCAP1/2/3; guca1a/b/c). While gucy2d/e has been detected in all analyzed vertebrates, GC-F receptors are missing in several clades (reptiles, birds, and marsupials) and/or individual species. Interestingly, the absence of GC-F in highly visual sauropsida species with up to 4 different cone-opsins is compensated by an increased number of guanylyl cyclase activating proteins, whereas in nocturnal or visually impaired species with reduced spectral sensitivity it is consolidated by the parallel inactivation of these activators. In mammals, the presence of GC-E and GC-F is accompanied by the expression of one to three GCAPs, whereas in lizards and birds, up to five different GCAPs are regulating the activity of the single GC-E visual membrane receptor. In several nearly blind species, a single GC-E enzyme is often accompanied by a single variant of GCAP, suggesting that one cyclase and one activating protein are both sufficient and required for conferring the basic detection of light.
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Ames JB. Structural basis of retinal membrane guanylate cyclase regulation by GCAP1 and RD3. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:988142. [PMID: 36157073 PMCID: PMC9493048 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.988142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal membrane guanylate cyclases (RetGC1 and RetGC2) are expressed in photoreceptor rod and cone cells, where they promote the onset of visual recovery during phototransduction. The catalytic activity of RetGCs is regulated by their binding to regulatory proteins, guanylate cyclase activating proteins (GCAP1-5) and the retinal degeneration 3 protein (RD3). RetGC1 is activated by its binding to Ca2+-free/Mg2+-bound GCAP1 at low cytosolic Ca2+ levels in light-activated photoreceptors. By contrast, RetGC1 is inactivated by its binding to Ca2+-bound GCAP1 and/or RD3 at elevated Ca2+ levels in dark-adapted photoreceptors. The Ca2+ sensitive cyclase activation helps to replenish the cytosolic cGMP levels in photoreceptors during visual recovery. Mutations in RetGC1, GCAP1 or RD3 that disable the Ca2+-dependent regulation of cyclase activity are genetically linked to rod/cone dystrophies and other inherited forms of blindness. Here I review the structural interaction of RetGC1 with GCAP1 and RD3. I propose a two-state concerted model in which the dimeric RetGC1 allosterically switches between active and inactive conformational states with distinct quaternary structures that are oppositely stabilized by the binding of GCAP1 and RD3. The binding of Ca2+-free/Mg2+-bound GCAP1 is proposed to activate the cyclase by stabilizing RetGC1 in an active conformation (R-state), whereas Ca2+-bound GCAP1 and/or RD3 inhibit the cyclase by locking RetGC1 in an inactive conformation (T-state). Exposed hydrophobic residues in GCAP1 (residues H19, Y22, M26, F73, V77, W94) are essential for cyclase activation and could be targeted by rational drug design for the possible treatment of rod/cone dystrophies.
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Zinc Modulation of Neuronal Calcium Sensor Proteins: Three Modes of Interaction with Different Structural Outcomes. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12070956. [PMID: 35883512 PMCID: PMC9312857 DOI: 10.3390/biom12070956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal calcium sensors (NCSs) are the family of EF-hand proteins mediating Ca2+-dependent signaling pathways in healthy neurons and neurodegenerative diseases. It was hypothesized that the calcium sensor activity of NCSs can be complemented by sensing fluctuation of intracellular zinc, which could further diversify their function. Here, using a set of biophysical techniques, we analyzed the Zn2+-binding properties of five proteins belonging to three different subgroups of the NCS family, namely, VILIP1 and neurocalcin-δ/NCLD (subgroup B), recoverin (subgroup C), as well as GCAP1 and GCAP2 (subgroup D). We demonstrate that each of these proteins is capable of coordinating Zn2+ with a different affinity, stoichiometry, and structural outcome. In the absence of calcium, recoverin and VILIP1 bind two zinc ions with submicromolar affinity, and the binding induces pronounced conformational changes and regulates the dimeric state of these proteins without significant destabilization of their structure. In the presence of calcium, recoverin binds zinc with slightly decreased affinity and moderate conformational outcome, whereas VILIP1 becomes insensitive to Zn2+. NCALD binds Zn2+ with micromolar affinity, but the binding induces dramatic destabilization and aggregation of the protein. In contrast, both GCAPs demonstrate low-affinity binding of zinc independent of calcium, remaining relatively stable even at submillimolar Zn2+ concentrations. Based on these data, and the results of structural bioinformatics analysis, NCSs can be divided into three categories: (1) physiological Ca2+/Zn2+ sensor proteins capable of binding exchangeable (signaling) zinc (recoverin and VILIP1), (2) pathological Ca2+/Zn2+ sensors responding only to aberrantly high free zinc concentrations by denaturation and aggregation (NCALD), and (3) Zn2+-resistant, Ca2+ sensor proteins (GCAP1, GCAP2). We suggest that NCS proteins may therefore govern the interconnection between Ca2+-dependent and Zn2+-dependent signaling pathways in healthy neurons and zinc cytotoxicity-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and glaucoma.
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Cudia D, Roseman GP, Assafa TE, Shahu MK, Scholten A, Menke-Sell SK, Yamada H, Koch KW, Milhauser G, Ames JB. NMR and EPR-DEER Structure of a Dimeric Guanylate Cyclase Activator Protein-5 from Zebrafish Photoreceptors. Biochemistry 2021; 60:3058-3070. [PMID: 34609135 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Retinal guanylate cyclases (RetGCs) are regulated by a family of guanylate cyclase-activating proteins (called GCAP1-7). GCAPs form dimers that bind to Ca2+ and confer Ca2+ sensitive activation of RetGC during visual phototransduction. The GCAP5 homologue from zebrafish contains two nonconserved cysteine residues (Cys15 and Cys17) that bind to ferrous ion, which stabilizes GCAP5 dimerization and diminishes its ability to activate RetGC. Here, we present NMR and EPR-DEER structural analysis of a GCAP5 dimer in the Mg2+-bound, Ca2+-free, Fe2+-free activator state. The NMR-derived structure of GCAP5 is similar to the crystal structure of Ca2+-bound GCAP1 (root-mean-square deviation of 2.4 Å), except that the N-terminal helix of GCAP5 is extended by two residues, which allows the sulfhydryl groups of Cys15 and Cys17 to become more solvent exposed in GCAP5 to facilitate Fe2+ binding. Nitroxide spin-label probes were covalently attached to particular cysteine residues engineered in GCAP5: C15, C17, T26C, C28, N56C, C69, C105, N139C, E152C, and S159C. The intermolecular distance of each spin-label probe in dimeric GCAP5 (measured by EPR-DEER) defined restraints for calculating the dimer structure by molecular docking. The GCAP5 dimer possesses intermolecular hydrophobic contacts involving the side chain atoms of H18, Y21, M25, F72, V76, and W93, as well as an intermolecular salt bridge between R22 and D71. The structural model of the GCAP5 dimer was validated by mutations (H18E/Y21E, H18A/Y21A, R22D, R22A, M25E, D71R, F72E, and V76E) at the dimer interface that disrupt dimerization of GCAP5 and affect the activation of RetGC. We propose that GCAP5 dimerization may play a role in the Fe2+-dependent regulation of cyclase activity in zebrafish photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Cudia
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Graham P Roseman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064, United States
| | - Tufa E Assafa
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064, United States
| | - Manisha Kumari Shahu
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Neuroscience, University of Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Scholten
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Neuroscience, University of Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Sarah-Karina Menke-Sell
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Neuroscience, University of Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Hiroaki Yamada
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Karl-W Koch
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Neuroscience, University of Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Glenn Milhauser
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064, United States
| | - James B Ames
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
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Biasi A, Marino V, Dal Cortivo G, Maltese PE, Modarelli AM, Bertelli M, Colombo L, Dell’Orco D. A Novel GUCA1A Variant Associated with Cone Dystrophy Alters cGMP Signaling in Photoreceptors by Strongly Interacting with and Hyperactivating Retinal Guanylate Cyclase. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910809. [PMID: 34639157 PMCID: PMC8509414 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Guanylate cyclase-activating protein 1 (GCAP1), encoded by the GUCA1A gene, is a neuronal calcium sensor protein involved in shaping the photoresponse kinetics in cones and rods. GCAP1 accelerates or slows the cGMP synthesis operated by retinal guanylate cyclase (GC) based on the light-dependent levels of intracellular Ca2+, thereby ensuring a timely regulation of the phototransduction cascade. We found a novel variant of GUCA1A in a patient affected by autosomal dominant cone dystrophy (adCOD), leading to the Asn104His (N104H) amino acid substitution at the protein level. While biochemical analysis of the recombinant protein showed impaired Ca2+ sensitivity of the variant, structural properties investigated by circular dichroism and limited proteolysis excluded major structural rearrangements induced by the mutation. Analytical gel filtration profiles and dynamic light scattering were compatible with a dimeric protein both in the presence of Mg2+ alone and Mg2+ and Ca2+. Enzymatic assays showed that N104H-GCAP1 strongly interacts with the GC, with an affinity that doubles that of the WT. The doubled IC50 value of the novel variant (520 nM for N104H vs. 260 nM for the WT) is compatible with a constitutive activity of GC at physiological levels of Ca2+. The structural region at the interface with the GC may acquire enhanced flexibility under high Ca2+ conditions, as suggested by 2 μs molecular dynamics simulations. The altered interaction with GC would cause hyper-activity of the enzyme at both low and high Ca2+ levels, which would ultimately lead to toxic accumulation of cGMP and Ca2+ in the photoreceptor outer segment, thus triggering cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amedeo Biasi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.B.); (V.M.); (G.D.C.)
| | - Valerio Marino
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.B.); (V.M.); (G.D.C.)
| | - Giuditta Dal Cortivo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.B.); (V.M.); (G.D.C.)
| | | | - Antonio Mattia Modarelli
- Department of Ophthalmology, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, University of Milan, 20142 Milano, Italy;
| | - Matteo Bertelli
- MAGI’S Lab s.r.l., 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (P.E.M.); (M.B.)
- MAGI Euregio, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Leonardo Colombo
- Department of Ophthalmology, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, University of Milan, 20142 Milano, Italy;
- Correspondence: (L.C.); (D.D.); Tel.: +39-02-81844301 (L.C.); +39-045-802-7637 (D.D.)
| | - Daniele Dell’Orco
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.B.); (V.M.); (G.D.C.)
- Correspondence: (L.C.); (D.D.); Tel.: +39-02-81844301 (L.C.); +39-045-802-7637 (D.D.)
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7
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Structural Insights into Retinal Guanylate Cyclase Activator Proteins (GCAPs). Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168731. [PMID: 34445435 PMCID: PMC8395740 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal guanylate cyclases (RetGCs) promote the Ca2+-dependent synthesis of cGMP that coordinates the recovery phase of visual phototransduction in retinal rods and cones. The Ca2+-sensitive activation of RetGCs is controlled by a family of photoreceptor Ca2+ binding proteins known as guanylate cyclase activator proteins (GCAPs). The Mg2+-bound/Ca2+-free GCAPs bind to RetGCs and activate cGMP synthesis (cyclase activity) at low cytosolic Ca2+ levels in light-activated photoreceptors. By contrast, Ca2+-bound GCAPs bind to RetGCs and inactivate cyclase activity at high cytosolic Ca2+ levels found in dark-adapted photoreceptors. Mutations in both RetGCs and GCAPs that disrupt the Ca2+-dependent cyclase activity are genetically linked to various retinal diseases known as cone-rod dystrophies. In this review, I will provide an overview of the known atomic-level structures of various GCAP proteins to understand how protein dimerization and Ca2+-dependent conformational changes in GCAPs control the cyclase activity of RetGCs. This review will also summarize recent structural studies on a GCAP homolog from zebrafish (GCAP5) that binds to Fe2+ and may serve as a Fe2+ sensor in photoreceptors. The GCAP structures reveal an exposed hydrophobic surface that controls both GCAP1 dimerization and RetGC binding. This exposed site could be targeted by therapeutics designed to inhibit the GCAP1 disease mutants, which may serve to mitigate the onset of retinal cone-rod dystrophies.
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Mahroo OA, Arno G, Ba-Abbad R, Downes SM, Bird A, Webster AR. Reanalysis of Association of Pro50Leu Substitution in Guanylate Cyclase Activating Protein-1 With Dominant Retinal Dystrophy. JAMA Ophthalmol 2020; 138:200-203. [PMID: 31804667 PMCID: PMC6902164 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2019.4959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Question Is there evidence that the Pro50Leu substitution in guanylate cyclase activating protein-1 (encoded by the gene GUCA1A) is associated with a dominant retinal dystrophy? Findings In this cross-sectional study reevaluating the original published study of a family after examination of another family member and further genetic testing, a pathogenic variant in the X chromosome–linked RPGR gene was found. Also, publicly available genomic data show that the variant in GUCA1A is too common to cause a dominant retinal dystrophy. Meaning The p.(Pro50Leu) variant in GUCA1A should not be considered a pathogenic variant. Importance As genetic and genomic screening is becoming more widely accessed, correctly distinguishing pathogenic from nonpathogenic variants is of increasing relevance. Objective To reevaluate a previously reported family in whom the p.(Pro50Leu) variant in the gene GUCA1A was associated with a dominant retinal dystrophy, in light of new examination findings in the proband’s daughter. Design, Setting, and Participants A genetic study relating to a family with an inherited retinal dystrophy was performed at the retinal genetics service of Moorfields Eye Hospital from October 27, 2009, to May 23, 2019, after the proband’s daughter underwent fundus examination. Main Outcomes and Measures Results of sequencing of X chromosome–linked retinitis pigmentosa genes in the proband and specific analysis of the repetitive ORF15 region of the RPGR gene. Results A frame-shifting single-nucleotide deletion was found in the ORF15 exon of RPGR (GRCh37 [hg19] x:38145160delT; NM_001034853.1: c.3092delA p.[Glu1031Glyfs*58]), which may be associated with the loss of 121 amino acid residues at the carboxyl terminus of the protein. The p.(Pro50Leu) variant in GUCA1A was also found to be too common in a publicly available genome database to be a fully penetrant cause of a dominant retinal dystrophy. Conclusions and Relevance The phenotype in the family is now associated with the variant in RPGR. The findings suggest that the p.(Pro50Leu) variant in GUCA1A should not be regarded as pathogenic. This report also highlights the relevance of examining relatives, of reevaluating diagnoses in light of new data, and of considering X chromosome–linked inheritance in apparently autosomal dominant pedigrees unless there is clear male-to-male transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar A Mahroo
- Genetics Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, United Kingdom.,Section of Ophthalmology, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin Arno
- Genetics Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Rola Ba-Abbad
- Genetics Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Susan M Downes
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Bird
- Genetics Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew R Webster
- Genetics Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, United Kingdom
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Bonì F, Marino V, Bidoia C, Mastrangelo E, Barbiroli A, Dell’Orco D, Milani M. Modulation of Guanylate Cyclase Activating Protein 1 (GCAP1) Dimeric Assembly by Ca 2+ or Mg 2+: Hints to Understand Protein Activity. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10101408. [PMID: 33027977 PMCID: PMC7600425 DOI: 10.3390/biom10101408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The guanylyl cyclase-activating protein 1, GCAP1, activates or inhibits retinal guanylyl cyclase (retGC) depending on cellular Ca2+ concentrations. Several point mutations of GCAP1 have been associated with impaired calcium sensitivity that eventually triggers progressive retinal degeneration. In this work, we demonstrate that the recombinant human protein presents a highly dynamic monomer-dimer equilibrium, whose dissociation constant is influenced by salt concentration and, more importantly, by protein binding to Ca2+ or Mg2+. Based on small-angle X-ray scattering data, protein-protein docking, and molecular dynamics simulations we propose two novel three-dimensional models of Ca2+-bound GCAP1 dimer. The different propensity of human GCAP1 to dimerize suggests structural differences induced by cation binding potentially involved in the regulation of retGC activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bonì
- CNR-IBF, Istituto di Biofisica, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy; (F.B.); (C.B.); (E.M.)
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università di Milano, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Valerio Marino
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Biomedicina e Movimento, Sezione di Chimica Biologica, Università di Verona, I-37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Carlo Bidoia
- CNR-IBF, Istituto di Biofisica, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy; (F.B.); (C.B.); (E.M.)
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università di Milano, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Eloise Mastrangelo
- CNR-IBF, Istituto di Biofisica, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy; (F.B.); (C.B.); (E.M.)
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università di Milano, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Barbiroli
- Dipartimento di Scienze per gli Alimenti, la Nutrizione e l’Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, I-20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Daniele Dell’Orco
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Biomedicina e Movimento, Sezione di Chimica Biologica, Università di Verona, I-37134 Verona, Italy;
- Correspondence: (D.D.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-045-802-7637 (D.D.); +39-02-5031-4890 (M.M.)
| | - Mario Milani
- CNR-IBF, Istituto di Biofisica, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy; (F.B.); (C.B.); (E.M.)
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università di Milano, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.D.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-045-802-7637 (D.D.); +39-02-5031-4890 (M.M.)
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10
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Dal Cortivo G, Marino V, Bonì F, Milani M, Dell'Orco D. Missense mutations affecting Ca 2+-coordination in GCAP1 lead to cone-rod dystrophies by altering protein structural and functional properties. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118794. [PMID: 32650103 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Guanylate cyclase activating protein 1 (GCAP1) is a neuronal calcium sensor (NCS) involved in the early biochemical steps underlying the phototransduction cascade. By switching from a Ca2+-bound form in the dark to a Mg2+-bound state following light activation of the cascade, GCAP1 triggers the activation of the retinal guanylate cyclase (GC), thus replenishing the levels of 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) necessary to re-open CNG channels. Here, we investigated the structural and functional effects of three missense mutations in GCAP1 associated with cone-rod dystrophy, which severely perturb the homeostasis of cGMP and Ca2+. Substitutions affect residues directly involved in Ca2+ coordination in either EF3 (D100G) or EF4 (E155A and E155G) Ca2+ binding motifs. We found that all GCAP1 variants form relatively stable dimers showing decreased apparent affinity for Ca2+ and blocking the enzyme in a constitutively active state at physiological levels of Ca2+. Interestingly, by corroborating spectroscopic experiments with molecular dynamics simulations we show that beside local structural effects, mutation of the bidentate glutamate in an EF-hand calcium binding motif can profoundly perturb the flexibility of the adjacent EF-hand as well, ultimately destabilizing the whole domain. Therefore, while Ca2+-binding to GCAP1 per se occurs sequentially, allosteric effects may connect EF hand motifs, which appear to be essential for the integrity of the structural switch mechanism in GCAP1, and perhaps in other NCS proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuditta Dal Cortivo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, I-37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Valerio Marino
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, I-37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Francesco Bonì
- CNR-IBF, Istituto di Biofisica, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milano, Italy; Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università di Milano, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Mario Milani
- CNR-IBF, Istituto di Biofisica, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milano, Italy; Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università di Milano, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Daniele Dell'Orco
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, I-37134 Verona, Italy.
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11
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Abbas S, Marino V, Weisschuh N, Kieninger S, Solaki M, Dell’Orco D, Koch KW. Neuronal Calcium Sensor GCAP1 Encoded by GUCA1A Exhibits Heterogeneous Functional Properties in Two Cases of Retinitis Pigmentosa. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:1458-1470. [PMID: 32298085 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic heterogeneity leading to retinal disorders impairs biological processes by causing, for example, severe disorder of signal transduction in photoreceptor outer segments. A normal balance of the second messenger homeostasis in photoreceptor cells seems to be a crucial factor for healthy and normal photoreceptor function. Genes like GUCY2D coding for guanylate cyclase GC-E and GUCA1A coding for the Ca2+-sensor guanylate cyclase-activating protein GCAP1 are critical for a precisely controlled synthesis of the second messenger cGMP. Mutations in GUCA1A frequently correlate in patients with cone dystrophy and cone-rod dystrophy. Here, we report two mutations in the GUCA1A gene that were found in patients diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a phenotype that was rarely detected among previous cases of GUCA1A related retinopathies. One patient was heterozygous for the missense variant c.55C > T (p.H19Y), while the other patient was heterozygous for the missense variant c.479T > G (p.V160G). Using heterologous expression and cell culture systems, we examined the functional and molecular consequences of these point mutations. Both variants showed a dysregulation of guanylate cyclase activity, either a profound shift in Ca2+-sensitivity (H19Y) or a nearly complete loss of activating potency (V160G). Functional heterogeneity became also apparent in Ca2+/Mg2+-binding properties and protein conformational dynamics. A faster progression of retinal dystrophy in the patient carrying the V160G mutation seems to correlate with the more severe impairment of this variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seher Abbas
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of Biochemistry, University of Oldenburg, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Valerio Marino
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Nicole Weisschuh
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sinja Kieninger
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maria Solaki
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Daniele Dell’Orco
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Karl-Wilhelm Koch
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of Biochemistry, University of Oldenburg, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany
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12
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Normal GCAPs partly compensate for altered cGMP signaling in retinal dystrophies associated with mutations in GUCA1A. Sci Rep 2019; 9:20105. [PMID: 31882816 PMCID: PMC6934868 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56606-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Missense mutations in the GUCA1A gene encoding guanylate cyclase-activating protein 1 (GCAP1) are associated with autosomal dominant cone/cone-rod (CORD) dystrophies. The nature of the inheritance pattern implies that a pool of normal GCAP proteins is present in photoreceptors together with the mutated variant. To assess whether human GCAP1 and GCAP2 may similarly regulate the activity of the retinal membrane guanylate cyclase GC-1 (GC-E) in the presence of the recently discovered E111V-GCAP1 CORD-variant, we combined biochemical and in silico assays. Surprisingly, human GCAP2 does not activate GC1 over the physiological range of Ca2+ whereas wild-type GCAP1 significantly attenuates the dysregulation of GC1 induced by E111V-GCAP1. Simulation of the phototransduction cascade in a well-characterized murine system, where GCAP2 is able to activate the GC1, suggests that both GCAPs can act in a synergic manner to mitigate the effects of the CORD-mutation. We propose the existence of a species-dependent compensatory mechanism. In murine photoreceptors, slight increases of wild-type GCAPs levels may significantly attenuate the increase in intracellular Ca2+ and cGMP induced by E111V-GCAP1 in heterozygous conditions. In humans, however, the excess of wild-type GCAP1 may only partly attenuate the mutant-induced dysregulation of cGMP signaling due to the lack of GC1-regulation by GCAP2.
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13
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Mizobuchi K, Hayashi T, Katagiri S, Yoshitake K, Fujinami K, Yang L, Kuniyoshi K, Shinoda K, Machida S, Kondo M, Ueno S, Terasaki H, Matsuura T, Tsunoda K, Iwata T, Nakano T. Characterization of GUCA1A-associated dominant cone/cone-rod dystrophy: low prevalence among Japanese patients with inherited retinal dystrophies. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16851. [PMID: 31728034 PMCID: PMC6856191 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52660-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
GUCA1A gene variants are associated with autosomal dominant (AD) cone dystrophy (COD) and cone-rod dystrophy (CORD). GUCA1A-associated AD-COD/CORD has never been reported in the Japanese population. The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical and genetic features of GUCA1A-associated AD-COD/CORD from a large Japanese cohort. We identified 8 variants [c.C50_80del (p.E17VfsX22), c.T124A (p.F42I), c.C204G (p.D68E), c.C238A (p.L80I), c.T295A (p.Y99N), c.A296C (p.Y99S), c.C451T (p.L151F), and c.A551G (p.Q184R)] in 14 families from our whole exome sequencing database composed of 1385 patients with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) from 1192 families. Three variants (p.Y99N, p.Y99S, and p.L151F), which are located on/around EF-hand domains 3 and 4, were confirmed as "pathogenic", whereas the other five variants, which did not co-segregate with IRDs, were considered "non-pathogenic". Ophthalmic findings of 9 patients from 3 families with the pathogenic variants showed central visual impairment from early to middle-age onset and progressive macular atrophy. Electroretinography revealed severely decreased or non-recordable cone responses, whereas rod responses were highly variable, ranging from nearly normal to non-recordable. Our results indicate that the three pathogenic variants, two of which were novel, underlie AD-COD/CORD with progressive retinal atrophy, and the prevalence (0.25%, 3/1192 families) of GUCA1A-associated IRDs may be low among Japanese patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Mizobuchi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takaaki Hayashi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Katsushika Medical Center, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Katagiri
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Yoshitake
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaoru Fujinami
- Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology associated with Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Lizhu Yang
- Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuki Kuniyoshi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kei Shinoda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeki Machida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Saitama, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Iwate, Japan
| | - Mineo Kondo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Shinji Ueno
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroko Terasaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Matsuura
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazushige Tsunoda
- Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Iwata
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tadashi Nakano
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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14
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Marino V, Dal Cortivo G, Oppici E, Maltese PE, D'Esposito F, Manara E, Ziccardi L, Falsini B, Magli A, Bertelli M, Dell'Orco D. A novel p.(Glu111Val) missense mutation in GUCA1A associated with cone-rod dystrophy leads to impaired calcium sensing and perturbed second messenger homeostasis in photoreceptors. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:4204-4217. [PMID: 30184081 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Guanylate Cyclase-Activating Protein 1 (GCAP1) regulates the enzymatic activity of the photoreceptor guanylate cyclases (GC), leading to inhibition or activation of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) synthesis depending on its Ca2+- or Mg2+-loaded state. By genetically screening a family of patients diagnosed with cone-rod dystrophy, we identified a novel missense mutation with autosomal dominant inheritance pattern (c.332A>T; p.(Glu111Val); E111V from now on) in the GUCA1A gene coding for GCAP1. We performed a thorough biochemical and biophysical investigation of wild type (WT) and E111V human GCAP1 by heterologous expression and purification of the recombinant proteins. The E111V substitution disrupts the coordination of the Ca2+ ion in the high-affinity site (EF-hand 3, EF3), thus significantly decreasing the ability of GCAP1 to sense Ca2+ (∼80-fold higher Kdapp compared to WT). Both WT and E111V GCAP1 form dimers independently on the presence of cations, but the E111V Mg2+-bound form is prone to severe aggregation over time. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest a significantly increased flexibility of both the EF3 and EF4 cation binding loops for the Ca2+-bound form of E111V GCAP1, in line with the decreased affinity for Ca2+. In contrast, a more rigid backbone conformation is observed in the Mg2+-bound state compared to the WT, which results in higher thermal stability. Functional assays confirm that E111V GCAP1 interacts with the target GC with a similar apparent affinity (EC50); however, the mutant shifts the GC inhibition out of the physiological [Ca2+] (IC50E111V ∼10 μM), thereby leading to the aberrant constitutive synthesis of cGMP under conditions of dark-adapted photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Marino
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuditta Dal Cortivo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Elisa Oppici
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Fabiana D'Esposito
- Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Unit, Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,MAGI Euregio, Bolzano, Italy.,Eye Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Benedetto Falsini
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli", IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Adriano Magli
- Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, University of Salerno, Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Matteo Bertelli
- MAGI'S Lab s.r.l., Rovereto, Italy.,MAGI Euregio, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Daniele Dell'Orco
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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15
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Burgoyne RD, Helassa N, McCue HV, Haynes LP. Calcium Sensors in Neuronal Function and Dysfunction. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2019; 11:cshperspect.a035154. [PMID: 30833454 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a035154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Calcium signaling in neurons as in other cell types can lead to varied changes in cellular function. Neuronal Ca2+ signaling processes have also become adapted to modulate the function of specific pathways over a wide variety of time domains and these can have effects on, for example, axon outgrowth, neuronal survival, and changes in synaptic strength. Ca2+ also plays a key role in synapses as the trigger for fast neurotransmitter release. Given its physiological importance, abnormalities in neuronal Ca2+ signaling potentially underlie many different neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. The mechanisms by which changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration in neurons can bring about diverse responses is underpinned by the roles of ubiquitous or specialized neuronal Ca2+ sensors. It has been established that synaptotagmins have key functions in neurotransmitter release, and, in addition to calmodulin, other families of EF-hand-containing neuronal Ca2+ sensors, including the neuronal calcium sensor (NCS) and the calcium-binding protein (CaBP) families, play important physiological roles in neuronal Ca2+ signaling. It has become increasingly apparent that these various Ca2+ sensors may also be crucial for aspects of neuronal dysfunction and disease either indirectly or directly as a direct consequence of genetic variation or mutations. An understanding of the molecular basis for the regulation of the targets of the Ca2+ sensors and the physiological roles of each protein in identified neurons may contribute to future approaches to the development of treatments for a variety of human neuronal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Burgoyne
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Nordine Helassa
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah V McCue
- Centre for Genomic Research, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lee P Haynes
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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16
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Lim S, Roseman G, Peshenko I, Manchala G, Cudia D, Dizhoor AM, Millhauser G, Ames JB. Retinal guanylyl cyclase activating protein 1 forms a functional dimer. PLoS One 2018. [PMID: 29513743 PMCID: PMC5841803 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal guanylyl cyclases (RetGCs) in vertebrate photoreceptors are regulated by the guanylyl cyclase activator proteins (GCAP1 and GCAP2). Here, we report EPR double electron-electron resonance (DEER) studies on the most ubiquitous GCAP isoform, GCAP1 and site-directed mutagenesis analysis to determine an atomic resolution structural model of a GCAP1 dimer. Nitroxide spin-label probes were introduced at individual GCAP1 residues: T29C, E57C, E133C, and E154C. The intermolecular distance of each spin-label probe (measured by DEER) defined restraints for calculating the GCAP1 dimeric structure by molecular docking. The DEER-derived structural model of the GCAP1 dimer was similar within the experimental error for both the Mg2+-bound activator and Ca2+-bound inhibitor states (RMSD < 2.0 Å). The GCAP1 dimer possesses intermolecular hydrophobic contacts involving the side chain atoms of H19, Y22, F73 and V77. The structural model of the dimer was validated by GCAP1 mutations (H19R, Y22D, F73E, and V77E) at the dimer interface that each abolished protein dimerization. Previous studies have shown that each of these mutants either diminished or completely suppressed the ability of GCAP1 to activate the cyclase. These results suggest that GCAP1 dimerization may affect compartmentalization of GCAP1 in the photoreceptors and/or affect regulation of the cyclase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunghyuk Lim
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Graham Roseman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
| | - Igor Peshenko
- Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Salus University, Elkins Park, PA, United States of America
| | - Grace Manchala
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Diana Cudia
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Alexander M. Dizhoor
- Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Salus University, Elkins Park, PA, United States of America
| | - Glenn Millhauser
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
| | - James B. Ames
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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17
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Sharon D, Wimberg H, Kinarty Y, Koch KW. Genotype-functional-phenotype correlations in photoreceptor guanylate cyclase (GC-E) encoded by GUCY2D. Prog Retin Eye Res 2018; 63:69-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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18
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Vocke F, Weisschuh N, Marino V, Malfatti S, Jacobson SG, Reiff CM, Dell'Orco D, Koch KW. Dysfunction of cGMP signalling in photoreceptors by a macular dystrophy-related mutation in the calcium sensor GCAP1. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 26:133-144. [PMID: 28025326 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Macular dystrophy leads to progressive loss of central vision and shows symptoms similar to age-related macular degeneration. Genetic screening of patients diagnosed with macular dystrophy disclosed a novel mutation in the GUCA1A gene, namely a c.526C > T substitution leading to the amino acid substitution p.L176F in the guanylate cyclase-activating protein 1 (GCAP1). The same variant was found in three families showing an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. For a full functional characterization of the L176F mutant we expressed and purified the mutant protein and measured key parameters of its activating properties, its Ca2+/Mg2+-binding, and its Ca2+-induced conformational changes in comparison to the wildtype protein. The mutant was less sensitive to changes in free Ca2+, resulting in a constitutively active form under physiological Ca2+-concentration, showed significantly higher activation rates than the wildtype (90-fold versus 20-fold) and interacted with an higher apparent affinity with its target guanylate cyclase. However, direct Ca2+-binding of the mutant was nearly similar to the wildtype; binding of Mg2+ occurred with higher affinity. We performed molecular dynamics simulations for comparing the Ca2+-saturated inhibiting state of GCAP1 with the Mg2+-bound activating states. The L176F mutant exhibited significantly lower flexibility, when three Ca2+ or two Mg2+ were bound forming probably the structural basis for the modified GCAP1 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farina Vocke
- Department of Neuroscience, Biochemistry Group, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Weisschuh
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Valerio Marino
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy and
| | - Silvia Malfatti
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy and
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Charlotte M Reiff
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Daniele Dell'Orco
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy and
| | - Karl-Wilhelm Koch
- Department of Neuroscience, Biochemistry Group, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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19
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Marino V, Borsatto A, Vocke F, Koch KW, Dell'Orco D. CaF 2 nanoparticles as surface carriers of GCAP1, a calcium sensor protein involved in retinal dystrophies. NANOSCALE 2017; 9:11773-11784. [PMID: 28785759 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr03288a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
CaF2-based nanoparticles (NP) are promising biocompatible tools for nanomedicine applications. The structure of the NP crystal lattice allows for specific interactions with Ca2+-binding proteins through their EF-hand cation binding motifs. Here we investigated the interaction of 23 nm citrate-coated CaF2 NP with a calcium sensor protein GCAP1 that is normally expressed in photoreceptor cells and involved in the regulation of the early steps of vision. Protein-NP interactions were thoroughly investigated for the wild type (WT) GCAP1 as well as for a variant carrying the Asp 100 to Glu mutation (D100E), which prevents the binding of Ca2+ to the highest affinity site and is linked to cone dystrophy. Circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy showed that protein structure and Ca2+-sensing capability are conserved for both variants upon interaction with the NP surface, although the interaction mode depends on the specific occupation of Ca2+-binding sites. NP binding stabilizes the structure of the bound GCAP1 and occurs with nanomolar affinity, as probed by isothermal titration calorimetry. Surface plasmon resonance revealed a fully reversible binding compatible with physiologically relevant kinetics of protein release whereas biochemical assays indicated a residual capability for NP-dissociated GCAP1 to regulate the target retinal guanylate cyclase. Our study constitutes a proof of concept that CaF2 NP could be optimized to serve as biologically compatible carriers of high amounts of functional GCAP1 in photoreceptors affected by retinal dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Marino
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | - Alberto Borsatto
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | - Farina Vocke
- Department of Neuroscience, Biochemistry Group, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Karl-Wilhelm Koch
- Department of Neuroscience, Biochemistry Group, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Daniele Dell'Orco
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
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20
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Marino V, Dell'Orco D. Allosteric communication pathways routed by Ca 2+/Mg 2+ exchange in GCAP1 selectively switch target regulation modes. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34277. [PMID: 27739433 PMCID: PMC5064319 DOI: 10.1038/srep34277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
GCAP1 is a neuronal calcium sensor protein that regulates the phototransduction cascade in vertebrates by switching between activator and inhibitor of the target guanylate cyclase (GC) in a Ca2+-dependent manner. We carried out exhaustive molecular dynamics simulations of GCAP1 and determined the intramolecular communication pathways involved in the specific GC activator/inhibitor switch. The switch was found to depend on the Mg2+/Ca2+ loading states of the three EF hands and on the way the information is transferred from each EF hand to specific residues at the GCAP1/GC interface. Post-translational myristoylation is fundamental to mediate long range allosteric interactions including the EF2-EF4 coupling and the communication between EF4 and the GC binding interface. Some hubs in the identified protein network are the target of retinal dystrophy mutations, suggesting that the lack of complete inhibition of GC observed in many cases is likely due to the perturbation of intra/intermolecular communication routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Marino
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, strada le Grazie 8, I-37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Daniele Dell'Orco
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, strada le Grazie 8, I-37134 Verona, Italy.,Centre for BioMedical Computing (CBMC), University of Verona, strada le Grazie 8, I-37134 Verona, Italy
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21
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Dell’Orco D, Koch KW. Fingerprints of Calcium-Binding Protein Conformational Dynamics Monitored by Surface Plasmon Resonance. ACS Chem Biol 2016; 11:2390-7. [PMID: 27380526 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.6b00470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy is widely used to probe interactions involving biological macromolecules by detecting changes in the refractive index in a metal/dielectric interface following the dynamic formation of a molecular complex. In past years, SPR-based experimental approaches were developed to monitor conformational changes induced by the binding of small analytes to proteins coupled to the surface of commercially available sensor chips. A significant contribution to our understanding of the phenomenon came from the study of several Ca(2+)-sensor proteins operating in diverse cellular scenarios, in which the conformational switch is triggered by specific Ca(2+) signals. Structural and physicochemical analyses demonstrated that the SPR signal not only depends on the change in protein size upon Ca(2+)-binding but likely originates from variations in the hydration shell structure. The resulting changes in the dielectric properties of water or of the protein-water interface eventually reflect different crowding conditions on the SPR sensor chip, which mimic the cellular environment. SPR could hence be used to monitor conformational transitions in proteins, especially when a significant variation in the hydrophobicity of the solvent-exposed protein surface occurs, thus leading to changes in the dielectric milieu of the whole sensor chip surface. We review recent work in which SPR has been successfully employed to provide a fingerprint of the conformational change dynamics in proteins under native and altered conditions, which include post-translational modifications, copresence of competing analytes, and point mutations of single amino acids associated with genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Dell’Orco
- Department
of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological
Chemistry, University of Verona, I-37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Karl-Wilhelm Koch
- Department
of Neurosciences, Biochemistry Group, University of Oldenburg, D-26111 Oldenburg, Germany
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22
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Marino V, Scholten A, Koch KW, Dell'Orco D. Two retinal dystrophy-associated missense mutations in GUCA1A with distinct molecular properties result in a similar aberrant regulation of the retinal guanylate cyclase. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:6653-66. [PMID: 26358777 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Two recently identified missense mutations (p. L84F and p. I107T) in GUCA1A, the gene coding for guanylate cyclase (GC)-activating protein 1 (GCAP1), lead to a phenotype ascribable to cone, cone-rod and macular dystrophies. Here, we present a thorough biochemical and biophysical characterization of the mutant proteins and their distinct molecular features. I107T-GCAP1 has nearly wild-type-like protein secondary and tertiary structures, and binds Ca(2+) with a >10-fold lower affinity than the wild-type. On the contrary, L84F-GCAP1 displays altered tertiary structure in both GC-activating and inhibiting states, and a wild type-like apparent affinity for Ca(2+). The latter mutant also shows a significantly high affinity for Mg(2+), which might be important for stabilizing the GC-activating state and inducing a cooperative mechanism for the binding of Ca(2+), so far not been observed in other GCAP1 variants. Moreover, the thermal stability of L84F-GCAP1 is particularly high in the Ca(2+)-bound, GC-inhibiting state. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that such enhanced stability arises from a deeper burial of the myristoyl moiety within the EF1-EF2 domain. The simulations also support an allosteric mechanism connecting the myristoyl moiety to the highest-affinity Ca(2+) binding site EF3. In spite of their remarkably distinct molecular features, both mutants cause constitutive activation of the target GC at physiological Ca(2+). We conclude that the similar aberrant regulation of the target enzyme results from a similar perturbation of the GCAP1-GC interaction, which may eventually cause dysregulation of both Ca(2+) and cyclic GMP homeostasis and result in retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Marino
- Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry
| | - Alexander Scholten
- Department of Neurosciences, Biochemistry Group, University of Oldenburg, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Karl-Wilhelm Koch
- Department of Neurosciences, Biochemistry Group, University of Oldenburg, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Daniele Dell'Orco
- Department of Neurological, Biomedical and Movement Sciences, Section of Biological Chemistry, Centre for BioMedical Computing (CBMC), University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy and
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Marino V, Sulmann S, Koch KW, Dell'Orco D. Structural effects of Mg²⁺ on the regulatory states of three neuronal calcium sensors operating in vertebrate phototransduction. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2014; 1853:2055-65. [PMID: 25447547 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2014.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Revised: 10/25/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The effects of physiological concentration of magnesium on the switch states of the neuronal calcium sensor proteins recoverin, GCAP1 and GCAP2 were investigated. Isothermal titration calorimetry was applied for binding studies. Circular dichroism spectroscopy was used to characterize protein thermal stability, secondary and tertiary structure in conditions of high and low [Ca²⁺], mimicking respectively the dark-adapted and light-exposed photoreceptor states during the phototransduction cascade. Further, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were run to investigate the dynamical structural properties of GCAP1 in its activator, inhibitor and putative transitory states. Our results confirmed that Mg²⁺ is unable to trigger the typical Ca²⁺-induced conformational change of recoverin (myristoyl switch) while it decreases its thermal stability. Interestingly, Mg²⁺ seems to affect the conformation of GCAP2 both at high and low [Ca²⁺], however the variations are more substantial for myristoylated GCAP2 in the absence of Ca²⁺. GCAP1 is responsive to Mg²⁺ only in its low [Ca²⁺] state and Mg²⁺-GCAP1 tertiary structure slightly differs from both apo and Ca²⁺-bound states. Finally, MD simulations suggest that the GCAP1 state harboring one Mg²⁺ ion bound to EF2 acquires structural characteristics that are thought to be relevant for the activation of the guanylate cyclase. Moreover, all the putative Mg²⁺-bound states of myristoylated GCAP1 are structurally less flexible than Ca²⁺-bound states. GCAP1 acquires a more compact tertiary structure that is less accessible to the solvent, thereby inducing a different conformation to the myristoyl moiety, which might be crucial for the activation of the guanylate cyclase. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: 13th European Symposium on Calcium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Marino
- Department of Life Sciences and Reproduction, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Stefan Sulmann
- Department of Neurosciences, Biochemistry Group, University of Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Karl-Wilhelm Koch
- Department of Neurosciences, Biochemistry Group, University of Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Daniele Dell'Orco
- Department of Life Sciences and Reproduction, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Italy; Center for BioMedical Computing (CBMC), University of Verona, Italy.
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Wen XH, Dizhoor AM, Makino CL. Membrane guanylyl cyclase complexes shape the photoresponses of retinal rods and cones. Front Mol Neurosci 2014; 7:45. [PMID: 24917784 PMCID: PMC4040495 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2014.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In vertebrate rods and cones, photon capture by rhodopsin leads to the destruction of cyclic GMP (cGMP) and the subsequent closure of cyclic nucleotide gated ion channels in the outer segment plasma membrane. Replenishment of cGMP and reopening of the channels limit the growth of the photon response and are requisite for its recovery. In different vertebrate retinas, there may be as many as four types of membrane guanylyl cyclases (GCs) for cGMP synthesis. Ten neuronal Ca2+ sensor proteins could potentially modulate their activities. The mouse is proving to be an effective model for characterizing the roles of individual components because its relative simplicity can be reduced further by genetic engineering. There are two types of GC activating proteins (GCAPs) and two types of GCs in mouse rods, whereas cones express one type of GCAP and one type of GC. Mutant mouse rods and cones bereft of both GCAPs have large, long lasting photon responses. Thus, GCAPs normally mediate negative feedback tied to the light-induced decline in intracellular Ca2+ that accelerates GC activity to curtail the growth and duration of the photon response. Rods from other mutant mice that express a single GCAP type reveal how the two GCAPs normally work together as a team. Because of its lower Ca2+ affinity, GCAP1 is the first responder that senses the initial decrease in Ca2+ following photon absorption and acts to limit response amplitude. GCAP2, with a higher Ca2+ affinity, is recruited later during the course of the photon response as Ca2+ levels continue to decline further. The main role of GCAP2 is to provide for a timely response recovery and it is particularly important after exposure to very bright light. The multiplicity of GC isozymes and GCAP homologs in the retinas of other vertebrates confers greater flexibility in shaping the photon responses in order to tune visual sensitivity, dynamic range and frequency response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hong Wen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander M Dizhoor
- Department of Basic Sciences Research and Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Salus University Elkins Park, PA, USA
| | - Clint L Makino
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, USA
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25
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Zägel P, Koch KW. Dysfunction of outer segment guanylate cyclase caused by retinal disease related mutations. Front Mol Neurosci 2014; 7:4. [PMID: 24616660 PMCID: PMC3935488 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2014.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane bound guanylate cyclases are expressed in rod and cone cells of the vertebrate retina and mutations in several domains of rod outer segment guanylate cyclase 1 (ROS-GC1 encoded by the gene GUCY2D) correlate with different forms of retinal degenerations. In the present work we investigated the biochemical consequences of three point mutations, one is located in position P575L in the juxtamembrane domain close to the kinase homology domain and two are located in the cyclase catalytic domain at H1019P and P1069R. These mutations correlate with various retinal diseases like autosomal dominant progressive cone degeneration, e.g., Leber Congenital Amaurosis and a juvenile form of retinitis pigmentosa. Wildtype and mutant forms of ROS-GC1 were heterologously expressed in HEK cells, their cellular distribution was investigated and activity profiles in the presence and absence of guanylate cyclase-activating proteins were measured. The mutant P575L was active under all tested conditions, but it displayed a twofold shift in the Ca2+-sensitivity, whereas the mutant P1069R remained inactive despite normal expression levels. The mutation H1019P caused the cyclase to become more labile. The different biochemical consequences of these mutations seem to reflect the different clinical symptoms. The mutation P575L induces a dysregulation of the Ca2+-sensitive cyclase activation profile causing a slow progression of the disease by the distortion of the Ca2+-cGMP homeostasis. In contrast, a strong reduction in cGMP synthesis due to an inactive or structurally unstable ROS-GC1 would trigger more severe forms of retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Zägel
- Biochemistry Group, Department of Neurosciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Karl-Wilhelm Koch
- Biochemistry Group, Department of Neurosciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg Oldenburg, Germany ; Research Center Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg Oldenburg, Germany
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26
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Dell'Orco D, Sulmann S, Zägel P, Marino V, Koch KW. Impact of cone dystrophy-related mutations in GCAP1 on a kinetic model of phototransduction. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:3829-40. [PMID: 24566882 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1593-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cone dystrophy-related mutations in guanylate cyclase-activating protein 1 (GCAP1) are known to cause severe disturbance of their Ca(2+)-sensing properties affecting also their regulatory modes. However, crucial biochemical properties of mutant GCAP1 forms have not been fully elucidated and regulatory parameters of GCAP1 mutants have not been considered within the context of a comprehensive description of the phototransduction cascade kinetics. We investigated therefore the structure-function relationships of four dystrophy-relevant point mutations in GCAP1 harboring the following amino acid substitutions: E89K, D100E, L151F, and G159V. All mutations decrease the catalytic efficiency in regulating the target guanylate cyclase and decrease the affinity of Ca(2+)-binding in at least one, but in most cases two EF-hand Ca(2+)-binding sites. Although the wild type and mutants of GCAP1 displayed large differences in Ca(2+)-binding and regulation, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy revealed that all proteins preserved an intact secondary and tertiary structure with a significant rearrangement of the aromatic residues upon binding of Ca(2+). To gain insight into the dynamic changes of cyclic GMP levels in a photoreceptor cell, we incorporated parameters describing the regulation of target guanylate cyclase by GCAP1 mutants into a comprehensive kinetic model of phototransduction. Modeling led us to conclude that the contribution of GCAP1 to the dynamic synthesis of cyclic GMP in rod cells would depend on the expression level of the wild-type form. Although the synthesis rate controlled by GCAP1 remains at a constant level, in the case of high expression levels of cone-dystrophy GCAP1 mutants it would not contribute at all to shaping the cGMP rate, which becomes dynamically regulated solely by the other present Ca(2+)-sensor GCAP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Dell'Orco
- Section of Biological Chemistry, Department of Life Sciences and Reproduction, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy,
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27
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Tanaka N, Delemotte L, Klein ML, Komáromy AM, Tanaka JC. A cyclic nucleotide-gated channel mutation associated with canine daylight blindness provides insight into a role for the S2 segment tri-Asp motif in channel biogenesis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88768. [PMID: 24586388 PMCID: PMC3931646 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone cyclic nucleotide-gated channels are tetramers formed by CNGA3 and CNGB3 subunits; CNGA3 subunits function as homotetrameric channels but CNGB3 exhibits channel function only when co-expressed with CNGA3. An aspartatic acid (Asp) to asparagine (Asn) missense mutation at position 262 in the canine CNGB3 (D262N) subunit results in loss of cone function (daylight blindness), suggesting an important role for this aspartic acid residue in channel biogenesis and/or function. Asp 262 is located in a conserved region of the second transmembrane segment containing three Asp residues designated the Tri-Asp motif. This motif is conserved in all CNG channels. Here we examine mutations in canine CNGA3 homomeric channels using a combination of experimental and computational approaches. Mutations of these conserved Asp residues result in the absence of nucleotide-activated currents in heterologous expression. A fluorescent tag on CNGA3 shows mislocalization of mutant channels. Co-expressing CNGB3 Tri-Asp mutants with wild type CNGA3 results in some functional channels, however, their electrophysiological characterization matches the properties of homomeric CNGA3 channels. This failure to record heteromeric currents suggests that Asp/Asn mutations affect heteromeric subunit assembly. A homology model of S1-S6 of the CNGA3 channel was generated and relaxed in a membrane using molecular dynamics simulations. The model predicts that the Tri-Asp motif is involved in non-specific salt bridge pairings with positive residues of S3/S4. We propose that the D262N mutation in dogs with CNGB3-day blindness results in the loss of these inter-helical interactions altering the electrostatic equilibrium within in the S1-S4 bundle. Because residues analogous to Tri-Asp in the voltage-gated Shaker potassium channel family were implicated in monomer folding, we hypothesize that destabilizing these electrostatic interactions impairs the monomer folding state in D262N mutant CNG channels during biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Tanaka
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Lucie Delemotte
- Institute of Computational and Molecular Science, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Michael L. Klein
- Institute of Computational and Molecular Science, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - András M. Komáromy
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AK); (JT)
| | - Jacqueline C. Tanaka
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AK); (JT)
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28
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Marino V, Astegno A, Pedroni M, Piccinelli F, Dell'Orco D. Nanodevice-induced conformational and functional changes in a prototypical calcium sensor protein. NANOSCALE 2014; 6:412-423. [PMID: 24213152 DOI: 10.1039/c3nr04978g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Calcium (Ca(2+)) plays a major role in a variety of cellular processes. Fine changes in its concentration are detected by calcium sensor proteins, which adopt specific conformations to regulate their molecular targets. Here, two distinct nanodevices were probed as biocompatible carriers of Ca(2+)-sensors and the structural and functional effects of protein-nanodevice interactions were investigated. The prototypical Ca(2+)-sensor recoverin (Rec) was incubated with 20-25 nm CaF2 nanoparticles (NPs) and 70-80 nm liposomes with lipid composition similar to that found in photoreceptor cells. Circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to characterize changes in the protein secondary and tertiary structure and in thermal stability upon interaction with the nanodevice, both in the presence and in the absence of free Ca(2+). Variations in the hydrodynamic diameter of the complex were measured by dynamic light scattering and the residual capability of the protein to act as a Ca(2+)-sensor in the presence of NPs was estimated spectroscopically. The conformation, thermal stability and Ca(2+)-sensing capability of Rec were all significantly affected by the presence of NPs, while liposomes did not significantly perturb Rec conformation and function, allowing reversible binding. NP-bound Rec maintained an all-helical fold but showed lower thermal stability and high cooperativity of unfolding. Our analysis can be proficiently used to validate the biocompatibility of other nanodevices intended for biomedical applications involving Ca(2+)-sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Marino
- Department of Life Sciences and Reproduction, Section of Biological Chemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
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29
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Structural insights for activation of retinal guanylate cyclase by GCAP1. PLoS One 2013; 8:e81822. [PMID: 24236217 PMCID: PMC3827477 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Guanylyl cyclase activating protein 1 (GCAP1), a member of the neuronal calcium sensor (NCS) subclass of the calmodulin superfamily, confers Ca(2+)-sensitive activation of retinal guanylyl cyclase 1 (RetGC1) upon light activation of photoreceptor cells. Here we present NMR assignments and functional analysis to probe Ca(2+)-dependent structural changes in GCAP1 that control activation of RetGC. NMR assignments were obtained for both the Ca(2+)-saturated inhibitory state of GCAP1 versus a GCAP1 mutant (D144N/D148G, called EF4mut), which lacks Ca(2+) binding in EF-hand 4 and models the Ca(2+)-free/Mg(2+)-bound activator state of GCAP1. NMR chemical shifts of backbone resonances for Ca(2+)-saturated wild type GCAP1 are overall similar to those of EF4mut, suggesting a similar main chain structure for assigned residues in both the Ca(2+)-free activator and Ca(2+)-bound inhibitor states. This contrasts with large Ca(2+)-induced chemical shift differences and hence dramatic structural changes seen for other NCS proteins including recoverin and NCS-1. The largest chemical shift differences between GCAP1 and EF4mut are seen for residues in EF4 (S141, K142, V145, N146, G147, G149, E150, L153, E154, M157, E158, Q161, L166), but mutagenesis of EF4 residues (F140A, K142D, L153R, L166R) had little effect on RetGC1 activation. A few GCAP1 residues in EF-hand 1 (K23, T27, G32) also show large chemical shift differences, and two of the mutations (K23D and G32N) each decrease the activation of RetGC, consistent with a functional conformational change in EF1. GCAP1 residues at the domain interface (V77, A78, L82) have NMR resonances that are exchange broadened, suggesting these residues may be conformationally dynamic, consistent with previous studies showing these residues are in a region essential for activating RetGC1.
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30
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Zägel P, Dell'Orco D, Koch KW. The dimerization domain in outer segment guanylate cyclase is a Ca²⁺-sensitive control switch module. Biochemistry 2013; 52:5065-74. [PMID: 23815670 DOI: 10.1021/bi400288p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Membrane-bound guanylate cyclases harbor a region called the dimerization or linker domain, which aids the enzymes in adopting an optimal monomer-monomer arrangement for catalysis. One subgroup of these guanylate cyclases is expressed in rod and cone cells of vertebrate retina, and mutations in the dimerization domain of rod outer segment guanylate cyclase 1 (ROS-GC1, encoded by the GUCY2D gene) correlate with retinal cone-rod dystrophies. We investigate how a Q847L/K848Q double mutation, which was found in patients suffering from cone-rod dystrophy, and the Q847L and K848Q single-point mutations affect the regulatory mechanism of ROS-GC1. Both the wild type and mutants of heterologously expressed ROS-GC1 were present in membranes. However, the mutations affected the catalytic properties of ROS-GC1 in different manners. All mutants had higher basal guanylate cyclase activities but lower levels of activation by Ca²⁺-sensing guanylate cyclase-activating proteins (GCAPs). Further, incubation with wild-type GCAP1 and GCAP2 revealed for all ROS-GC1 mutants a shift in Ca²⁺ sensitivity, but activation of the K848Q mutant by GCAPs was severely impaired. Apparent affinities for GCAP1 and GCAP2 were different for the double mutant and the wild type. Circular dichroism spectra of the dimerization domain showed that the wild type and mutants adopt a prevalently α-helical structure, but mutants exhibited lower thermal stability. Our results indicate that the dimerization domain serves as a Ca²⁺-sensitive control module. Although it is per se not a Ca²⁺-sensing unit, it seems to integrate and process information regarding Ca²⁺ sensing by sensor proteins and regulator effector affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Zägel
- Biochemistry Group, Department of Neurosciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, D-26111 Oldenburg, Germany
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31
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Koch KW, Dell’Orco D. A calcium-relay mechanism in vertebrate phototransduction. ACS Chem Neurosci 2013; 4:909-17. [PMID: 23472635 DOI: 10.1021/cn400027z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium-signaling in cells requires a fine-tuned system of calcium-transport proteins involving ion channels, exchangers, and ion-pumps but also calcium-sensor proteins and their targets. Thus, control of physiological responses very often depends on incremental changes of the cytoplasmic calcium concentration, which are sensed by calcium-binding proteins and are further transmitted to specific target proteins. This Review will focus on calcium-signaling in vertebrate photoreceptor cells, where recent physiological and biochemical data indicate that a subset of neuronal calcium sensor proteins named guanylate cyclase-activating proteins (GCAPs) operate in a calcium-relay system, namely, to make gradual responses to small changes in calcium. We will further integrate this mechanism in an existing computational model of phototransduction showing that it is consistent and compatible with the dynamics that are characteristic for the precise operation of the phototransduction pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl-Wilhelm Koch
- Department of Neurosciences,
Biochemistry Group, University of Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Strasse 9-11, D-26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Daniele Dell’Orco
- Department of Life Sciences
and Reproduction, Section of Biological Chemistry and Center for BioMedical
Computing (CBMC), University of Verona,
Strada le Grazie 8, I-37134 Verona, Italy
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Martínez-Fernández de la Cámara C, Sequedo MD, Gómez-Pinedo U, Jaijo T, Aller E, García-Tárraga P, García-Verdugo JM, Millán JM, Rodrigo R. Phosphodiesterase inhibition induces retinal degeneration, oxidative stress and inflammation in cone-enriched cultures of porcine retina. Exp Eye Res 2013; 111:122-33. [PMID: 23578797 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2013.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Revised: 03/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Inherited retinal degenerations affecting both rod and cone photoreceptors constitute one of the causes of incurable blindness in the developed world. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is crucial in the phototransduction and, mutations in genes related to its metabolism are responsible for different retinal dystrophies. cGMP-degrading phosphodiesterase 6 (PDE6) mutations cause around 4-5% of the retinitis pigmentosa, a rare form of retinal degeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether pharmacological PDE6 inhibition induced retinal degeneration in cone-enriched cultures of porcine retina similar to that found in murine models. PDE6 inhibition was induced in cone-enriched retinal explants from pigs by Zaprinast. PDE6 inhibition induced cGMP accumulation and triggered retinal degeneration, as determined by TUNEL assay. Western blot analysis and immunostaining indicated that degeneration was accompanied by caspase-3, calpain-2 activation and poly (ADP-ribose) accumulation. Oxidative stress markers, total antioxidant capacity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and nitric oxide measurements revealed the presence of oxidative damage. Elevated TNF-alpha and IL-6, as determined by enzyme immunoassay, were also found in cone-enriched retinal explants treated with Zaprinast. Our study suggests that this ex vivo model of retinal degeneration in porcine retina could be an alternative model for therapeutic research into the mechanisms of photoreceptor death in cone-related diseases, thus replacing or reducing animal experiments.
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Sharma RK, Duda T. Ca(2+)-sensors and ROS-GC: interlocked sensory transduction elements: a review. Front Mol Neurosci 2012; 5:42. [PMID: 22509149 PMCID: PMC3321474 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2012.00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
From its initial discovery that ROS-GC membrane guanylate cyclase is a mono-modal Ca(2+)-transduction system linked exclusively with the photo-transduction machinery to the successive finding that it embodies a remarkable bimodal Ca(2+) signaling device, its widened transduction role in the general signaling mechanisms of the sensory neuron cells was envisioned. A theoretical concept was proposed where Ca(2+)-modulates ROS-GC through its generated cyclic GMP via a nearby cyclic nucleotide gated channel and creates a hyper- or depolarized sate in the neuron membrane (Ca(2+) Binding Proteins 1:1, 7-11, 2006). The generated electric potential then becomes a mode of transmission of the parent [Ca(2+)](i) signal. Ca(2+) and ROS-GC are interlocked messengers in multiple sensory transduction mechanisms. This comprehensive review discusses the developmental stages to the present status of this concept and demonstrates how neuronal Ca(2+)-sensor (NCS) proteins are the interconnected elements of this elegant ROS-GC transduction system. The focus is on the dynamism of the structural composition of this system, and how it accommodates selectivity and elasticity for the Ca(2+) signals to perform multiple tasks linked with the SENSES of vision, smell, and possibly of taste and the pineal gland. An intriguing illustration is provided for the Ca(2+) sensor GCAP1 which displays its remarkable ability for its flexibility in function from being a photoreceptor sensor to an odorant receptor sensor. In doing so it reverses its function from an inhibitor of ROS-GC to the stimulator of ONE-GC membrane guanylate cyclase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rameshwar K. Sharma
- Research Divisions of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Unit of Regulatory and Molecular Biology, Salus University, Elkins ParkPA, USA
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Duda T, Pertzev A, Koch KW, Sharma RK. Antithetical modes of and the Ca(2+) sensors targeting in ANF-RGC and ROS-GC1 membrane guanylate cyclases. Front Mol Neurosci 2012; 5:44. [PMID: 22509151 PMCID: PMC3321476 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2012.00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2012] [Accepted: 03/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The membrane guanylate cyclase family has been branched into three subfamilies: natriuretic peptide hormone surface receptors, Ca2+-modulated neuronal ROS-GC, and Ca2+-modulated odorant surface receptor ONE-GC. The first subfamily is solely modulated by the extracellularly generated hormonal signals; the second, by the intracellularly generated sensory and sensory-linked signals; and the third, by combination of these two. The present study defines a new paradigm and a new mechanism of Ca2+ signaling. (1) It demonstrates for the first time that ANF-RGC, the prototype member of the surface receptor subfamily, is stimulated by free [Ca2+]i. The stimulation occurs via myristoylated form of neurocalcin δ, and both the guanylate cyclase and the calcium sensor neurocalcin δ are present in the glomerulosa region of the adrenal gland. (2) The EF-2, EF-3 and EF-4 hands of GCAP1 sense the progressive increment of [Ca2+]i and with a K1/2 of 100 nM turn ROS-GC1 “OFF.” In total reversal, the same EF hands upon sensing the progressive increment of [Ca2+]i with K1/2 turn ONE-GC “ON.” The findings suggest a universal Ca2+-modulated signal transduction theme of the membrane guanylate cyclase family; demonstrate that signaling of ANF-RGC occurs by the peptide hormones and also by [Ca2+]i signals; that for the Ca2+ signal transduction, ANF-RGC functions as a two-component transduction system consisting of the Ca2+ sensor neurocalcin δ and the transducer ANF-RGC; and that the neurocalcin δ in this case expands beyond its NCS family. Furthermore, the study shows a novel mechanism of the [Ca2+]i sensor GCAP1 where it acts as an antithetical NCS for the signaling mechanisms of ROS-GC1 and ONE-GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Duda
- Research Divisions of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Unit of Regulatory and Molecular Biology, Salus University, Elkins Park PA, USA
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Burgoyne RD, Haynes LP. Understanding the physiological roles of the neuronal calcium sensor proteins. Mol Brain 2012; 5:2. [PMID: 22269068 PMCID: PMC3271974 DOI: 10.1186/1756-6606-5-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 01/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium signalling plays a crucial role in the control of neuronal function and plasticity. Changes in neuronal Ca2+ concentration are detected by Ca2+-binding proteins that can interact with and regulate target proteins to modify their function. Members of the neuronal calcium sensor (NCS) protein family have multiple non-redundant roles in the nervous system. Here we review recent advances in the understanding of the physiological roles of the NCS proteins and the molecular basis for their specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Burgoyne
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, The Physiological Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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Highlight: Molecular Neurobiology. Biol Chem 2010; 391:589-90. [DOI: 10.1515/bc.2010.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
No abstract available
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