1
|
Yin L, Yuan L, Li J, Jiang B. The liquid-liquid phase separation in programmed cell death. Cell Signal 2024; 120:111215. [PMID: 38740235 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the physical phenomenon of liquid-liquid phase separation has been widely introduced into biological research. Membrane-free organelles have been found to exist in cells that were driven by liquid-liquid phase separation. Intermolecular multivalent interactions can drive liquid-liquid phase separation to form condensates that are independent of other substances in the environment and thus can play an effective role in regulating multiple biological processes in the cell. The way of cell death has also long been a focus in multiple research. In the face of various stresses, cell death-related mechanisms are crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and regulating cell fate. With the in-depth study of cell death pathways, it has been found that the process of cell death was also accompanied by the regulation of liquid-liquid phase separation and played a key role. Therefore, this review summarized the roles of liquid-liquid phase separation in various cell death pathways, and explored the regulation of cell fate by liquid-liquid phase separation, with the expectation that the exploration of the mechanism of liquid-liquid phase separation would provide new insights into the treatment of diseases caused by regulated cell death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leijing Yin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, PR China; Sepsis Translational Medicine Key Lab of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China; National Medicine Functional Experimental Teaching Center, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China.
| | - Ludong Yuan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, PR China; Sepsis Translational Medicine Key Lab of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China; National Medicine Functional Experimental Teaching Center, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, PR China; Sepsis Translational Medicine Key Lab of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China; National Medicine Functional Experimental Teaching Center, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China
| | - Bimei Jiang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, PR China; Sepsis Translational Medicine Key Lab of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China; National Medicine Functional Experimental Teaching Center, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang F, Chen Z, Zhou Q, Xie L, Zheng N, Chen Z, Lin J, Li B, Li L. Implications of Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation and Ferroptosis in Alzheimer's Disease. Neuropharmacology 2024:110083. [PMID: 39043267 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Neuronal cell demise represents a prevalent occurrence throughout the advancement of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the mechanism of triggering the death of neuronal cells remains unclear. Its potential mechanisms include aggregation of soluble amyloid-beta (Aβ) to form insoluble amyloid plaques, abnormal phosphorylation of tau protein and formation of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), neuroinflammation, ferroptosis, oxidative stress, liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and metal ion disorders. Among them, ferroptosis is an iron-dependent lipid peroxidation-driven cell death and emerging evidences have demonstrated the involvement of ferroptosis in the pathological process of AD. The sensitivity to ferroptosis is tightly linked to numerous biological processes. Moreover, emerging evidences indicate that LLPS has great impacts on regulating human health and diseases, especially AD. Soluble Aβ can undergo LLPS to form liquid-like droplets, which can lead to the formation of insoluble amyloid plaques. Meanwhile, tau has a high propensity to condensate via the mechanism of LLPS, which can lead to the formation of NFTs. In this review, we summarize the most recent advancements pertaining to LLPS and ferroptosis in AD. Our primary focus is on expounding the influence of Aβ, tau protein, iron ions, and lipid oxidation on the intricate mechanisms underlying ferroptosis and LLPS within the domain of AD pathology. Additionally, we delve into the intricate cross-interactions that occur between LLPS and ferroptosis in the context of AD. Our findings are expected to serve as a theoretical and experimental foundation for clinical research and targeted therapy for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fuwei Wang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Zihao Chen
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Qiong Zhou
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Lihua Xie
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Nan Zheng
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Ziwen Chen
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Jiantao Lin
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China.
| | - Baohong Li
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China.
| | - Li Li
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmaceutical Development, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Brasnett C, Kiani A, Sami S, Otto S, Marrink SJ. Capturing chemical reactions inside biomolecular condensates with reactive Martini simulations. Commun Chem 2024; 7:151. [PMID: 38961263 PMCID: PMC11222477 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01234-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates are phase separated systems that play an important role in the spatio-temporal organisation of cells. Their distinct physico-chemical nature offers a unique environment for chemical reactions to occur. The compartmentalisation of chemical reactions is also believed to be central to the development of early life. To demonstrate how molecular dynamics may be used to capture chemical reactions in condensates, here we perform reactive molecular dynamics simulations using the coarse-grained Martini forcefield. We focus on the formation of rings of benzene-1,3-dithiol inside a synthetic peptide-based condensate, and find that the ring size distribution shifts to larger macrocycles compared to when the reaction takes place in an aqueous environment. Moreover, reaction rates are noticeably increased when the peptides simultaneously undergo phase separation, hinting that condensates may act as chaperones in recruiting molecules to reaction hubs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Brasnett
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Armin Kiani
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Selim Sami
- Kenneth S. Pitzer Theory Center and Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Sijbren Otto
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Siewert J Marrink
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang X, Yuan L, Zhang W, Zhang Y, Wu Q, Li C, Wu M, Huang Y. Liquid-liquid phase separation in diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e640. [PMID: 39006762 PMCID: PMC11245632 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), an emerging biophysical phenomenon, can sequester molecules to implement physiological and pathological functions. LLPS implements the assembly of numerous membraneless chambers, including stress granules and P-bodies, containing RNA and protein. RNA-RNA and RNA-protein interactions play a critical role in LLPS. Scaffolding proteins, through multivalent interactions and external factors, support protein-RNA interaction networks to form condensates involved in a variety of diseases, particularly neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Modulating LLPS phenomenon in multiple pathogenic proteins for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer could present a promising direction, though recent advances in this area are limited. Here, we summarize in detail the complexity of LLPS in constructing signaling pathways and highlight the role of LLPS in neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. We also explore RNA modifications on LLPS to alter diseases progression because these modifications can influence LLPS of certain proteins or the formation of stress granules, and discuss the possibility of proper manipulation of LLPS process to restore cellular homeostasis or develop therapeutic drugs for the eradication of diseases. This review attempts to discuss potential therapeutic opportunities by elaborating on the connection between LLPS, RNA modification, and their roles in diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
| | - Lin Yuan
- Laboratory of Research in Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders Health Sciences Institute China Medical University Shenyang China
| | - Wanlu Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
| | - Yi Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
| | - Qun Wu
- Department of Pediatrics Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Chunting Li
- College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
| | - Min Wu
- Wenzhou Institute University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Wenzhou Zhejiang China
- The Joint Research Center Affiliated Xiangshan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Ningbo China
| | - Yongye Huang
- College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
- Key Laboratory of Bioresource Research and Development of Liaoning Province College of Life and Health Sciences Northeastern University Shenyang China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zacco E, Broglia L, Kurihara M, Monti M, Gustincich S, Pastore A, Plath K, Nagakawa S, Cerase A, Sanchez de Groot N, Tartaglia GG. RNA: The Unsuspected Conductor in the Orchestra of Macromolecular Crowding. Chem Rev 2024; 124:4734-4777. [PMID: 38579177 PMCID: PMC11046439 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
This comprehensive Review delves into the chemical principles governing RNA-mediated crowding events, commonly referred to as granules or biological condensates. We explore the pivotal role played by RNA sequence, structure, and chemical modifications in these processes, uncovering their correlation with crowding phenomena under physiological conditions. Additionally, we investigate instances where crowding deviates from its intended function, leading to pathological consequences. By deepening our understanding of the delicate balance that governs molecular crowding driven by RNA and its implications for cellular homeostasis, we aim to shed light on this intriguing area of research. Our exploration extends to the methodologies employed to decipher the composition and structural intricacies of RNA granules, offering a comprehensive overview of the techniques used to characterize them, including relevant computational approaches. Through two detailed examples highlighting the significance of noncoding RNAs, NEAT1 and XIST, in the formation of phase-separated assemblies and their influence on the cellular landscape, we emphasize their crucial role in cellular organization and function. By elucidating the chemical underpinnings of RNA-mediated molecular crowding, investigating the role of modifications, structures, and composition of RNA granules, and exploring both physiological and aberrant phase separation phenomena, this Review provides a multifaceted understanding of the intriguing world of RNA-mediated biological condensates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Zacco
- RNA
Systems Biology Lab, Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Broglia
- RNA
Systems Biology Lab, Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Misuzu Kurihara
- RNA
Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Michele Monti
- RNA
Systems Biology Lab, Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Stefano Gustincich
- Central
RNA Lab, Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pastore
- UK
Dementia Research Institute at the Maurice Wohl Institute of King’s
College London, London SE5 9RT, U.K.
| | - Kathrin Plath
- Department
of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School
of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Shinichi Nagakawa
- RNA
Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Andrea Cerase
- Blizard
Institute,
Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K.
- Unit
of Cell and developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Università di Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy
| | - Natalia Sanchez de Groot
- Unitat
de Bioquímica, Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia
Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de
Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gian Gaetano Tartaglia
- RNA
Systems Biology Lab, Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Enrico Melen, 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
- Catalan
Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, ICREA, Passeig Lluís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ma TS, Worth KR, Maher C, Ng N, Beghè C, Gromak N, Rose AM, Hammond EM. Hypoxia-induced transcriptional stress is mediated by ROS-induced R-loops. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:11584-11599. [PMID: 37843099 PMCID: PMC10681727 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumors and is associated with poor patient prognosis, therapy resistance and metastasis. Radiobiological hypoxia (<0.1% O2) is one of the few physiologically relevant stresses that activates both the replication stress/DNA damage response and the unfolded protein response. Recently, we found that hypoxia also leads to the robust accumulation of R-loops, which led us to question here both the mechanism and consequence of hypoxia-induced R-loops. Interestingly, we found that the mechanism of R-loop accumulation in hypoxia is dependent on non-DNA damaging levels of reactive oxygen species. We show that hypoxia-induced R-loops play a critical role in the transcriptional stress response, evidenced by the repression of ribosomal RNA synthesis and the translocation of nucleolin from the nucleolus into the nucleoplasm. Upon depletion of R-loops, we observed a rescue of both rRNA transcription and nucleolin translocation in hypoxia. Mechanistically, R-loops accumulate on the rDNA in hypoxia and promote the deposition of heterochromatic H3K9me2 which leads to the inhibition of Pol I-mediated transcription of rRNA. These data highlight a novel mechanistic insight into the hypoxia-induced transcriptional stress response through the ROS-R-loop-H3K9me2 axis. Overall, this study highlights the contribution of transcriptional stress to hypoxia-mediated tumorigenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany S Ma
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Katja R Worth
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Conor Maher
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Natalie Ng
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Chiara Beghè
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Natalia Gromak
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Anna M Rose
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Ester M Hammond
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Samulevich ML, Shamilov R, Aneskievich BJ. Thermostable Proteins from HaCaT Keratinocytes Identify a Wide Breadth of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins and Candidates for Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214323. [PMID: 36430801 PMCID: PMC9692912 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) move through an ensemble of conformations which allows multitudinous roles within a cell. Keratinocytes, the predominant cell type in mammalian epidermis, have had only a few individual proteins assessed for intrinsic disorder and its possible contribution to liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), especially in regard to what functions or structures these proteins provide. We took a holistic approach to keratinocyte IDPs starting with enrichment via the isolation of thermostable proteins. The keratinocyte protein involucrin, known for its resistance to heat denaturation, served as a marker. It and other thermostable proteins were identified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and subjected to extensive bioinformatic analysis covering gene ontology, intrinsic disorder, and potential for LLPS. Numerous proteins unique to keratinocytes and other proteins with shared expression in multiple cell types were identified to have IDP traits (e.g., compositional bias, nucleic acid binding, and repeat motifs). Among keratinocyte-specific proteins, many that co-assemble with involucrin into the cell-specific structure known as the cornified envelope scored highly for intrinsic disorder and potential for LLPS. This suggests intrinsic disorder and LLPS are previously unrecognized traits for assembly of the cornified envelope, echoing the contribution of intrinsic disorder and LLPS to more widely encountered features such as stress granules and PML bodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael L. Samulevich
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology & Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, 69 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06292-3092, USA
| | - Rambon Shamilov
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology & Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, 69 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06292-3092, USA
| | - Brian J. Aneskievich
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, 69 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269-3092, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-860-486-3053; Fax: +1-860-486-5792
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xie X, Wan J, Zheng X, Pan W, Yuan J, Hu B, Feng M, Liu Z, Cai S. Synergistic effects of epigallocatechin gallate and l-theanine in nerve repair and regeneration by anti-amyloid damage, promoting metabolism, and nourishing nerve cells. Front Nutr 2022; 9:951415. [PMID: 36034895 PMCID: PMC9399931 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.951415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Green tea has significant protective activity on nerve cells, but the mechanism of action is unclear. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and N-ethyl-L-glutamine (L-theanine) are the representative functional components of green tea (Camellia sinensis). In this study, an AD model of Aβ25–35-induced differentiated neural cell line PC12 cells was established to study the synergistic effect of EGCG and L-theanine in protecting neural cells. The results showed that under Aβ25–35 stress conditions, mitochondria and axons degenerated, and the expression of cyclins was up-regulated, showing the gene and protein characteristics of cellular hyperfunction. EGCG + L-theanine inhibited inflammation and aggregate formation pathways, significantly increased the percentage of G0/G1 in the cell cycle, downregulated the expression of proteins such as p-mTOR, Cyclin D1, and Cyclin B1, upregulated the expression of GAP43, Klotho, p-AMPK, and other proteins, promoted mitochondrial activity and energy metabolism, and had repair and regeneration effects on differentiated nerve cells. The synergistic mechanism study showed that under the premise that EGCG inhibits amyloid stress and inflammation and promotes metabolism, L-theanine could play a nourish nerve effect. EGCG + L-theanine keeps differentiated nerve cells in a quiescent state, which is beneficial to the repair and regeneration of nerve cells. In addition, EGCG + L-theanine maintains the high-fidelity structure of cellular proteins. This study revealed for the first time that the synergistic effect of EGCG with L-theanine may be an effective way to promote nerve cell repair and regeneration and slow down the progression of AD. Our findings provide a new scientific basis for the relationship between tea drinking and brain protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinya Xie
- National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Tea Science, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Co-Innovation Center of Education Ministry for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Wan
- National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Tea Science, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Co-Innovation Center of Education Ministry for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Zheng
- National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Tea Science, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Co-Innovation Center of Education Ministry for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenjing Pan
- National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Tea Science, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Co-Innovation Center of Education Ministry for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiayi Yuan
- National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Tea Science, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Co-Innovation Center of Education Ministry for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Baozhu Hu
- National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Tea Science, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Co-Innovation Center of Education Ministry for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Meiyan Feng
- National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Tea Science, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Co-Innovation Center of Education Ministry for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Tea Science, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Co-Innovation Center of Education Ministry for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuxian Cai
- National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Tea Science, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Co-Innovation Center of Education Ministry for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Regulating Phase Transition in Neurodegenerative Diseases by Nuclear Import Receptors. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11071009. [PMID: 36101390 PMCID: PMC9311884 DOI: 10.3390/biology11071009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) with a low-complexity prion-like domain (PLD) can undergo aberrant phase transitions and have been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and FTD. Several nuclear RBPs mislocalize to cytoplasmic inclusions in disease conditions. Impairment in nucleocytoplasmic transport is another major event observed in ageing and in neurodegenerative disorders. Nuclear import receptors (NIRs) regulate the nucleocytoplasmic transport of different RBPs bearing a nuclear localization signal by restoring their nuclear localization. NIRs can also specifically dissolve or prevent the aggregation and liquid–liquid phase separation of wild-type or disease-linked mutant RBPs, due to their chaperoning activity. This review focuses on the LLPS of intrinsically disordered proteins and the role of NIRs in regulating LLPS in neurodegeneration. This review also discusses the implication of NIRs as therapeutic agents in neurogenerative diseases.
Collapse
|
10
|
Loh D, Reiter RJ. Melatonin: Regulation of Prion Protein Phase Separation in Cancer Multidrug Resistance. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27030705. [PMID: 35163973 PMCID: PMC8839844 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The unique ability to adapt and thrive in inhospitable, stressful tumor microenvironments (TME) also renders cancer cells resistant to traditional chemotherapeutic treatments and/or novel pharmaceuticals. Cancer cells exhibit extensive metabolic alterations involving hypoxia, accelerated glycolysis, oxidative stress, and increased extracellular ATP that may activate ancient, conserved prion adaptive response strategies that exacerbate multidrug resistance (MDR) by exploiting cellular stress to increase cancer metastatic potential and stemness, balance proliferation and differentiation, and amplify resistance to apoptosis. The regulation of prions in MDR is further complicated by important, putative physiological functions of ligand-binding and signal transduction. Melatonin is capable of both enhancing physiological functions and inhibiting oncogenic properties of prion proteins. Through regulation of phase separation of the prion N-terminal domain which targets and interacts with lipid rafts, melatonin may prevent conformational changes that can result in aggregation and/or conversion to pathological, infectious isoforms. As a cancer therapy adjuvant, melatonin could modulate TME oxidative stress levels and hypoxia, reverse pH gradient changes, reduce lipid peroxidation, and protect lipid raft compositions to suppress prion-mediated, non-Mendelian, heritable, but often reversible epigenetic adaptations that facilitate cancer heterogeneity, stemness, metastasis, and drug resistance. This review examines some of the mechanisms that may balance physiological and pathological effects of prions and prion-like proteins achieved through the synergistic use of melatonin to ameliorate MDR, which remains a challenge in cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Doris Loh
- Independent Researcher, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
- Correspondence: (D.L.); (R.J.R.)
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Correspondence: (D.L.); (R.J.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fassler JS, Skuodas S, Weeks DL, Phillips BT. Protein Aggregation and Disaggregation in Cells and Development. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167215. [PMID: 34450138 PMCID: PMC8530975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Protein aggregation is a feature of numerous neurodegenerative diseases. However, regulated, often reversible, formation of protein aggregates, also known as condensates, helps control a wide range of cellular activities including stress response, gene expression, memory, cell development and differentiation. This review presents examples of aggregates found in biological systems, how they are used, and cellular strategies that control aggregation and disaggregation. We include features of the aggregating proteins themselves, environmental factors, co-aggregates, post-translational modifications and well-known aggregation-directed activities that influence their formation, material state, stability and dissolution. We highlight the emerging roles of biomolecular condensates in early animal development, and disaggregation processing proteins that have recently been shown to play key roles in gametogenesis and embryogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan S Fassler
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.
| | - Sydney Skuodas
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States. https://twitter.com/@sskuodas
| | - Daniel L Weeks
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Bryan T Phillips
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States. https://twitter.com/@bt4phillips
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Herb M, Gluschko A, Schramm M. Reactive Oxygen Species: Not Omnipresent but Important in Many Locations. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:716406. [PMID: 34557488 PMCID: PMC8452931 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.716406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as the superoxide anion or hydrogen peroxide, have been established over decades of research as, on the one hand, important and versatile molecules involved in a plethora of homeostatic processes and, on the other hand, as inducers of damage, pathologies and diseases. Which effects ROS induce, strongly depends on the cell type and the source, amount, duration and location of ROS production. Similar to cellular pH and calcium levels, which are both strictly regulated and only altered by the cell when necessary, the redox balance of the cell is also tightly regulated, not only on the level of the whole cell but in every cellular compartment. However, a still widespread view present in the scientific community is that the location of ROS production is of no major importance and that ROS randomly diffuse from their cellular source of production throughout the whole cell and hit their redox-sensitive targets when passing by. Yet, evidence is growing that cells regulate ROS production and therefore their redox balance by strictly controlling ROS source activation as well as localization, amount and duration of ROS production. Hopefully, future studies in the field of redox biology will consider these factors and analyze cellular ROS more specifically in order to revise the view of ROS as freely flowing through the cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Herb
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexander Gluschko
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Schramm
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|