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Kobayashi R, Nabika H. Liquid-liquid phase separation induced by crowding condition affects amyloid-β aggregation mechanism. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:5331-5342. [PMID: 38847095 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00470a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is common in the aggregation of proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Many efforts have been made to reproduce crowded conditions with artificial polymeric materials to understand the effect of LLPS in physiological conditions with significantly highly concentrated proteins, such as intrinsically disordered proteins. Although the possibility that LLPS is involved in intracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation, a protein related to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, has been investigated, the relationship between LLPS and the aggregation of Aβ is poorly characterized. Thus, in this study, we mimicked the intracellular crowding environment using polyethylene glycol and dextran, used commonly as model polymers, to examine the relationship of Aβ with LLPS and aggregation dynamics in vitro. We confirmed that Aβ undergoes LLPS under specific polymer coexistence conditions. Moreover, the addition of different electrolytes modulated LLPS and fibril formation. These results suggest that hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions are the driving forces for the LLPS of Aβ. Similar to the role of the liposome interface, the interface of droplets induced by LLPS functioned as the site for heterogeneous nucleation. These findings offer valuable insights into the complex mechanisms of Aβ aggregation in vivo and may be useful in establishing therapeutic methods for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuki Kobayashi
- Department of Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamagata University, 1-4-12, Kojirakawa, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan
| | - Hideki Nabika
- Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, 1-4-12 Kojirakawa, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan.
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2
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Boushehri S, Holey H, Brosz M, Gumbsch P, Pastewka L, Aponte-Santamaría C, Gräter F. O-glycans Expand Lubricin and Attenuate Its Viscosity and Shear Thinning. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:3893-3908. [PMID: 38815979 PMCID: PMC11238335 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Lubricin, an intrinsically disordered glycoprotein, plays a pivotal role in facilitating smooth movement and ensuring the enduring functionality of synovial joints. The central domain of this protein serves as a source of this excellent lubrication and is characterized by its highly glycosylated, negatively charged, and disordered structure. However, the influence of O-glycans on the viscosity of lubricin remains unclear. In this study, we employ molecular dynamics simulations in the absence and presence of shear, along with continuum simulations, to elucidate the intricate interplay between O-glycans and lubricin and the impact of O-glycans on lubricin's conformational properties and viscosity. We found the presence of O-glycans to induce a more extended conformation in fragments of the disordered region of lubricin. These O-glycans contribute to a reduction in solution viscosity but at the same time weaken shear thinning at high shear rates, compared to nonglycosylated systems with the same density. This effect is attributed to the steric and electrostatic repulsion between the fragments, which prevents their conglomeration and structuring. Our computational study yields a mechanistic mechanism underlying previous experimental observations of lubricin and paves the way to a more rational understanding of its function in the synovial fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Boushehri
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, Schloß-Wolfsbrunnenweg 35, Heidelberg 69118, Germany
- University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 205, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe 76131, Germany
| | - Hannes Holey
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe 76131, Germany
- Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 103, Freiburg 79110, Germany
| | - Matthias Brosz
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, Schloß-Wolfsbrunnenweg 35, Heidelberg 69118, Germany
- University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 205, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Peter Gumbsch
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe 76131, Germany
- Fraunhofer IWM, Wöhlerstraße 11, Freiburg 79108, Germany
| | - Lars Pastewka
- Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 103, Freiburg 79110, Germany
| | - Camilo Aponte-Santamaría
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, Schloß-Wolfsbrunnenweg 35, Heidelberg 69118, Germany
| | - Frauke Gräter
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, Schloß-Wolfsbrunnenweg 35, Heidelberg 69118, Germany
- University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 205, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
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3
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Lin CC, Suen KM, Lidster J, Ladbury JE. The emerging role of receptor tyrosine kinase phase separation in cancer. Trends Cell Biol 2024; 34:371-379. [PMID: 37777392 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)-mediated signal transduction is fundamental to cell function and drives important cellular outcomes which, when dysregulated, can lead to malignant tumour growth and metastasis. The initiation of signals from plasma membrane-bound RTKs is subjected to multiple regulatory mechanisms that control downstream effector protein recruitment and function. The high propensity of RTKs to condense via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) into membraneless organelles with downstream effector proteins provides a further fundamental mechanism for signal regulation. Herein we highlight how this phenomenon contributes to cancer signalling and consider the potential impact of LLPS on outcomes for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Chuan Lin
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Kin Man Suen
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Jessica Lidster
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - John E Ladbury
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
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4
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Chen D, Shi C, Xu W, Rong Q, Wu Q. Regulation of phase separation and antiviral activity of Cactin by glycolytic enzyme PGK via phosphorylation in Drosophila. mBio 2024; 15:e0137823. [PMID: 38446061 PMCID: PMC11005415 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01378-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) plays a crucial role in various biological processes in eukaryotic organisms, including immune responses in mammals. However, the specific function of LLPS in immune responses in Drosophila melanogaster remains poorly understood. Cactin, a highly conserved protein in eukaryotes, is involved in a non-canonical signaling pathway associated with Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-related pathways in Drosophila. In this study, we investigated the role of Cactin in LLPS and its implications for immune response modulation. We discovered that Cactin undergoes LLPS, forming droplet-like particles, primarily mediated by its intrinsically disordered region (IDR). Utilizing immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analysis, we identified two phosphorylation sites at serine residues 99 and 104 within the IDR1 domain of Cactin. Co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry further revealed phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) as a Cactin-interacting protein responsible for regulating its phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of Cactin by PGK induced a transition from stable aggregates to dynamic liquid droplets, enhancing its ability to interact with other components in the cellular environment. Overexpression of PGK inhibited Drosophila C virus (DCV) replication, while PGK knockdown increased replication. DCV infection also increased Cactin phosphorylation. We also found that phosphorylation enhances the antiviral ability of Cactin by promoting liquid-phase droplet formation. These findings demonstrate the role of Cactin-phase separation in regulating DCV replication and highlight the modulation of its antiviral function through phosphorylation, providing insights into the interplay between LLPS and antiviral defense mechanisms. IMPORTANCE Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) plays an integral role in various biological processes in eukaryotic organisms. Although several studies have highlighted its crucial role in modulating immune responses in mammals, its function in immune responses in Drosophila melanogaster remains poorly understood. Our study investigated the role of Cactin in LLPS and its implications for immune response modulation. We identified that phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), an essential enzyme in the glycolytic pathway, phosphorylates Cactin, facilitating its transition from a relatively stable aggregated state to a more dynamic liquid droplet phase during the phase separation process. This transformation allows Cactin to rapidly interact with other cellular components, enhancing its antiviral properties and ultimately inhibiting virus replication. These findings expand our understanding of the role of LLPS in the antiviral defense mechanism, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms underlying immune responses in D. melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongchao Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Division of Molecular Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chang Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Division of Molecular Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Division of Molecular Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qiqi Rong
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Division of Molecular Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qingfa Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Division of Molecular Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Pharmaceutical Preparations and Clinical Pharmacy, Hefei, Anhui, China
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5
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Wang K, Zhao X, Yang S, Qi X, Zang G, Li C, Li A, Chen B. Milk-derived exosome nanovesicles: recent progress and daunting hurdles. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38595109 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2024.2338831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Raw milk is the foundation of quality and safety in the dairy industry, and improving milk source management is the fundamental guarantee. Milk-derived exosomes (MDEs) are nanoscale information transfer molecules secreted by mammary cells with unique content and high stability, which can be used not only as potential markers to analyze key traits of lactation, reproduction, nutrition and health of animals, but also help farm managers to take timely interventions to improve animal welfare, milk quality, and functional traits. Our review first outlines the latest advances in MDEs isolation and purification, compositional analysis and characterization tools. We then provide a comprehensive summary of recent applications of MDEs liquid biopsy in breed selection, disease prevention and control, and feeding management. Finally, we evaluate the impact of processing on the stability of MDEs to offer guidance for dairy production and storage. The limitations and challenges in the development and use of MDEs markers are also discussed. As a noninvasive marker with high sensitivity and specificity, the MDEs-mediated assay technology is expected to be a powerful tool for measuring cow health and raw milk quality, enabling dynamic and precise regulation of dairy cows and full traceability of raw milk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaili Wang
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Xu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Sijia Yang
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoxi Qi
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Guofang Zang
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Chun Li
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang Green Food Research Institute, Harbin, China
| | - Aili Li
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang Green Food Research Institute, Harbin, China
| | - Bingcan Chen
- Department of Plant Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
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6
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Puertas-Bartolomé M, Venegas-Bustos D, Acosta S, Rodríguez-Cabello JC. Contribution of the ELRs to the development of advanced in vitro models. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1363865. [PMID: 38650751 PMCID: PMC11033926 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1363865] [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: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing in vitro models that accurately mimic the microenvironment of biological structures or processes holds substantial promise for gaining insights into specific biological functions. In the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, in vitro models able to capture the precise structural, topographical, and functional complexity of living tissues, prove to be valuable tools for comprehending disease mechanisms, assessing drug responses, and serving as alternatives or complements to animal testing. The choice of the right biomaterial and fabrication technique for the development of these in vitro models plays an important role in their functionality. In this sense, elastin-like recombinamers (ELRs) have emerged as an important tool for the fabrication of in vitro models overcoming the challenges encountered in natural and synthetic materials due to their intrinsic properties, such as phase transition behavior, tunable biological properties, viscoelasticity, and easy processability. In this review article, we will delve into the use of ELRs for molecular models of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), as well as for the development of in vitro 3D models for regenerative medicine. The easy processability of the ELRs and their rational design has allowed their use for the development of spheroids and organoids, or bioinks for 3D bioprinting. Thus, incorporating ELRs into the toolkit of biomaterials used for the fabrication of in vitro models, represents a transformative step forward in improving the accuracy, efficiency, and functionality of these models, and opening up a wide range of possibilities in combination with advanced biofabrication techniques that remains to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Puertas-Bartolomé
- Technical Proteins Nanobiotechnology, S.L. (TPNBT), Valladolid, Spain
- Bioforge Lab (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER's Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Edificio LUCIA, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Desiré Venegas-Bustos
- Bioforge Lab (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER's Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Edificio LUCIA, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Sergio Acosta
- Bioforge Lab (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER's Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Edificio LUCIA, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - José Carlos Rodríguez-Cabello
- Bioforge Lab (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), CIBER's Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Edificio LUCIA, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
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7
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Trofimov K, Gratz R, Ivanov R, Stahl Y, Bauer P, Brumbarova T. FER-like iron deficiency-induced transcription factor (FIT) accumulates in nuclear condensates. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202311048. [PMID: 38393070 PMCID: PMC10890924 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202311048] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The functional importance of nuclear protein condensation remains often unclear. The bHLH FER-like iron deficiency-induced transcription factor (FIT) controls iron acquisition and growth in plants. Previously described C-terminal serine residues allow FIT to interact and form active transcription factor complexes with subgroup Ib bHLH factors such as bHLH039. FIT has lower nuclear mobility than mutant FITmSS271AA. Here, we show that FIT undergoes a light-inducible subnuclear partitioning into FIT nuclear bodies (NBs). Using quantitative and qualitative microscopy-based approaches, we characterized FIT NBs as condensates that were reversible and likely formed by liquid-liquid phase separation. FIT accumulated preferentially in NBs versus nucleoplasm when engaged in protein complexes with itself and with bHLH039. FITmSS271AA, instead, localized to NBs with different dynamics. FIT colocalized with splicing and light signaling NB markers. The NB-inducing light conditions were linked with active FIT and elevated FIT target gene expression in roots. FIT condensation may affect nuclear mobility and be relevant for integrating environmental and Fe nutrition signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia Trofimov
- Institute of Botany, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Regina Gratz
- Institute of Botany, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Rumen Ivanov
- Institute of Botany, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Yvonne Stahl
- Institute for Developmental Genetics, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Science (CEPLAS), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Petra Bauer
- Institute of Botany, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Science (CEPLAS), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tzvetina Brumbarova
- Institute of Botany, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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8
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Eltayeb A, Al-Sarraj F, Alharbi M, Albiheyri R, Mattar EH, Abu Zeid IM, Bouback TA, Bamagoos A, Uversky VN, Rubio-Casillas A, Redwan EM. Intrinsic factors behind long COVID: IV. Hypothetical roles of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and its liquid-liquid phase separation. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30530. [PMID: 38349116 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
When the SARS-CoV-2 virus infects humans, it leads to a condition called COVID-19 that has a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, from no symptoms to acute respiratory distress syndrome. The virus initiates damage by attaching to the ACE-2 protein on the surface of endothelial cells that line the blood vessels and using these cells as hosts for replication. Reactive oxygen species levels are increased during viral replication, which leads to oxidative stress. About three-fifths (~60%) of the people who get infected with the virus eradicate it from their body after 28 days and recover their normal activity. However, a large fraction (~40%) of the people who are infected with the virus suffer from various symptoms (anosmia and/or ageusia, fatigue, cough, myalgia, cognitive impairment, insomnia, dyspnea, and tachycardia) beyond 12 weeks and are diagnosed with a syndrome called long COVID. Long-term clinical studies in a group of people who contracted SARS-CoV-2 have been contrasted with a noninfected matched group of people. A subset of infected people can be distinguished by a set of cytokine markers to have persistent, low-grade inflammation and often self-report two or more bothersome symptoms. No medication can alleviate their symptoms efficiently. Coronavirus nucleocapsid proteins have been investigated extensively as potential drug targets due to their key roles in virus replication, among which is their ability to bind their respective genomic RNAs for incorporation into emerging virions. This review highlights basic studies of the nucleocapsid protein and its ability to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation. We hypothesize that this ability of the nucleocapsid protein for phase separation may contribute to long COVID. This hypothesis unlocks new investigation angles and could potentially open novel avenues for a better understanding of long COVID and treating this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Eltayeb
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal Al-Sarraj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona Alharbi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raed Albiheyri
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Centre of Excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Immunology Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ehab H Mattar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Isam M Abu Zeid
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamer A Bouback
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atif Bamagoos
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Alberto Rubio-Casillas
- Autlan Regional Hospital, Health Secretariat, Autlan, Jalisco, Mexico
- Biology Laboratory, Autlan Regional Preparatory School, University of Guadalajara, Autlan, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Elrashdy M Redwan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Centre of Excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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9
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Karakatsanis NM, Hamey JJ, Wilkins MR. Taking Me away: the function of phosphorylation on histone lysine demethylases. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:257-276. [PMID: 38233282 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2023.12.004] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Histone lysine demethylases (KDMs) regulate eukaryotic gene transcription by catalysing the removal of methyl groups from histone proteins. These enzymes are intricately regulated by the kinase signalling system in response to internal and external stimuli. Here, we review the mechanisms by which kinase-mediated phosphorylation influence human histone KDM function. These include the changing of histone KDM subcellular localisation or chromatin binding, the altering of protein half-life, changes to histone KDM complex formation that result in histone demethylation, non-histone demethylation or demethylase-independent effects, and effects on histone KDM complex dissociation. We also explore the structural context of phospho-sites on histone KDMs and evaluate how this relates to function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola M Karakatsanis
- Systems Biology Initiative, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Joshua J Hamey
- Systems Biology Initiative, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Marc R Wilkins
- Systems Biology Initiative, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, Australia.
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10
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Li S, Zhang Y, Chen J. Backbone interactions and secondary structures in phase separation of disordered proteins. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:319-329. [PMID: 38348795 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230618] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are one of the major drivers behind the formation and characteristics of biomolecular condensates. Due to their inherent flexibility, the backbones of IDPs are significantly exposed, rendering them highly influential and susceptible to biomolecular phase separation. In densely packed condensates, exposed backbones have a heightened capacity to interact with neighboring protein chains, which might lead to strong coupling between the secondary structures and phase separation and further modulate the subsequent transitions of the condensates, such as aging and fibrillization. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of backbone-mediated interactions and secondary structures within biomolecular condensates to underscore the importance of protein backbones in phase separation. We further focus on recent advances in experimental techniques and molecular dynamics simulation methods for probing and exploring the roles of backbone interactions and secondary structures in biomolecular phase separation involving IDPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanlong Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, U.S.A
| | - Yumeng Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, U.S.A
| | - Jianhan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, U.S.A
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11
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Escudeiro-Lopes S, Filimonenko VV, Jarolimová L, Hozák P. Lamin A/C and PI(4,5)P2-A Novel Complex in the Cell Nucleus. Cells 2024; 13:399. [PMID: 38474363 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050399] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Lamins, the nuclear intermediate filaments, are important regulators of nuclear structural integrity as well as nuclear functional processes such as DNA transcription, replication and repair, and epigenetic regulations. A portion of phosphorylated lamin A/C localizes to the nuclear interior in interphase, forming a lamin A/C pool with specific properties and distinct functions. Nucleoplasmic lamin A/C molecular functions are mainly dependent on its binding partners; therefore, revealing new interactions could give us new clues on the lamin A/C mechanism of action. In the present study, we show that lamin A/C interacts with nuclear phosphoinositides (PIPs), and with nuclear myosin I (NM1). Both NM1 and nuclear PIPs have been previously reported as important regulators of gene expression and DNA damage/repair. Furthermore, phosphorylated lamin A/C forms a complex with NM1 in a phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2)-dependent manner in the nuclear interior. Taken together, our study reveals a previously unidentified interaction between phosphorylated lamin A/C, NM1, and PI(4,5)P2 and suggests new possible ways of nucleoplasmic lamin A/C regulation, function, and importance for the formation of functional nuclear microdomains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Escudeiro-Lopes
- Department of Biology of the Cell Nucleus, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vlada V Filimonenko
- Department of Biology of the Cell Nucleus, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Jarolimová
- Department of Biology of the Cell Nucleus, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Hozák
- Department of Biology of the Cell Nucleus, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
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12
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Liu Y, Feng W, Wang Y, Wu B. Crosstalk between protein post-translational modifications and phase separation. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:110. [PMID: 38347544 PMCID: PMC10860296 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01380-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The phenomenon of phase separation is quite common in cells, and it is involved in multiple processes of life activities. However, the current research on the correlation between protein modifications and phase separation and the interference with the tendency of phase separation has some limitations. Here we focus on several post-translational modifications of proteins, including protein phosphorylation modification at multiple sites, methylation modification, acetylation modification, ubiquitination modification, SUMOylation modification, etc., which regulate the formation of phase separation and the stability of phase separation structure through multivalent interactions. This regulatory role is closely related to the development of neurodegenerative diseases, tumors, viral infections, and other diseases, and also plays essential functions in environmental stress, DNA damage repair, transcriptional regulation, signal transduction, and cell homeostasis of living organisms, which provides an idea to explore the interaction between novel protein post-translational modifications and phase separation. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenjuan Feng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yunshan Wang
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Basic Medical Research Center, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
| | - Bin Wu
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
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13
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Tan T, Gao B, Yu H, Pan H, Sun Z, Lei A, Zhang L, Lu H, Wu H, Daley GQ, Feng Y, Zhang J. Dynamic nucleolar phase separation influenced by non-canonical function of LIN28A instructs pluripotent stem cell fate decisions. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1256. [PMID: 38341436 PMCID: PMC10858886 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45451-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
LIN28A is important in somatic reprogramming and pluripotency regulation. Although previous studies addressed that LIN28A can repress let-7 microRNA maturation in the cytoplasm, few focused on its role within the nucleus. Here, we show that the nucleolus-localized LIN28A protein undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and in vitro. The RNA binding domains (RBD) and intrinsically disordered regions (IDR) of LIN28A contribute to LIN28A and the other nucleolar proteins' phase-separated condensate establishment. S120A, S200A and R192G mutations in the IDR result in subcellular mislocalization of LIN28A and abnormal nucleolar phase separation. Moreover, we find that the naive-to-primed pluripotency state conversion and the reprogramming are associated with dynamic nucleolar remodeling, which depends on LIN28A's phase separation capacity, because the LIN28A IDR point mutations abolish its role in regulating nucleolus and in these cell fate decision processes, and an exogenous IDR rescues it. These findings shed light on the nucleolar function in pluripotent stem cell states and on a non-canonical RNA-independent role of LIN28A in phase separation and cell fate decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Tan
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Bo Gao
- Department of Biophysics, and Department of Infectious Disease of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hua Yu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Hongru Pan
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Zhen Sun
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Anhua Lei
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Hengxing Lu
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - George Q Daley
- Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yu Feng
- Department of Biophysics, and Department of Infectious Disease of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Jin Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, China.
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Center of Gene/Cell Engineering and Genome Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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14
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Czerczak-Kwiatkowska K, Kaminska M, Fraczyk J, Majsterek I, Kolesinska B. Searching for EGF Fragments Recreating the Outer Sphere of the Growth Factor Involved in Receptor Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1470. [PMID: 38338748 PMCID: PMC10855902 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The aims of this study were to determine whether it is possible to use peptide microarrays obtained using the SPOT technique (immobilized on cellulose) and specific polyclonal antibodies to select fragments that reconstruct the outer sphere of proteins and to ascertain whether the selected peptide fragments can be useful in the study of their protein-protein and/or peptide-protein interactions. Using this approach, epidermal growth factor (EGF) fragments responsible for the interaction with the EGF receptor were searched. A library of EGF fragments immobilized on cellulose was obtained using triazine condensing reagents. Experiments on the interactions with EGFR confirmed the high affinity of the selected peptide fragments. Biological tests on cells showed the lack of cytotoxicity of the EGF fragments. Selected EGF fragments can be used in various areas of medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Czerczak-Kwiatkowska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; (K.C.-K.); (J.F.)
| | - Marta Kaminska
- Division of Biophysics, Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 1/15, 90-924 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Justyna Fraczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; (K.C.-K.); (J.F.)
| | - Ireneusz Majsterek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Narutowicza 60, 90-136 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Beata Kolesinska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; (K.C.-K.); (J.F.)
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15
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Grams N, Charman M, Halko E, Lauman R, Garcia BA, Weitzman MD. Phosphorylation regulates viral biomolecular condensates to promote infectious progeny production. EMBO J 2024; 43:277-303. [PMID: 38177504 PMCID: PMC10897327 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-023-00021-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates (BMCs) play important roles in diverse biological processes. Many viruses form BMCs which have been implicated in various functions critical for the productive infection of host cells. The adenovirus L1-52/55 kilodalton protein (52K) was recently shown to form viral BMCs that coordinate viral genome packaging and capsid assembly. Although critical for packaging, we do not know how viral condensates are regulated during adenovirus infection. Here we show that phosphorylation of serine residues 28 and 75 within the N-terminal intrinsically disordered region of 52K modulates viral condensates in vitro and in cells, promoting liquid-like properties. Furthermore, we demonstrate that phosphorylation of 52K promotes viral genome packaging and the production of infectious progeny particles. Collectively, our findings provide insights into how viral condensate properties are regulated and maintained in a state conducive to their function in viral progeny production. In addition, our findings have implications for antiviral strategies aimed at targeting the regulation of viral BMCs to limit viral multiplication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Grams
- Division of Protective Immunity and Division of Cancer Pathobiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Cell & Molecular Biology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Matthew Charman
- Division of Protective Immunity and Division of Cancer Pathobiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Edwin Halko
- Division of Protective Immunity and Division of Cancer Pathobiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Richard Lauman
- Division of Protective Immunity and Division of Cancer Pathobiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Benjamin A Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Matthew D Weitzman
- Division of Protective Immunity and Division of Cancer Pathobiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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16
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Panda P, Sarohi V, Basak T, Kasturi P. Elucidation of Site-Specific Ubiquitination on Chaperones in Response to Mutant Huntingtin. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 44:3. [PMID: 38102300 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01446-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is one of the prominent neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by the progressive decline of neuronal function, due to the accumulation and aggregation of misfolded proteins. Pathological progression of HD is hallmarked by the aberrant aggregation of the huntingtin protein (HTT) and subsequent neurotoxicity. Molecular chaperones (heat shock proteins, HSPs) play a pivotal role in maintaining proteostasis by facilitating protein refolding, degradation, or sequestration to limit the accumulation of misfolded proteins during neurotoxicity. However, the role of post-translational modifications such as ubiquitination among HSPs during HD is less known. In this study, we aimed to elucidate HSPs ubiquitin code in the context of HD pathogenesis. In a comprehensive proteomic analysis, we identified site-specific ubiquitination events in HSPs associated with HTT in HD-affected brain regions. To assess the impact of ubiquitination on HSPs during HD, we quantified the abundance of ubiquitinated lysine sites in both the rat cortex/striatum and in the mouse primary cortical neurons. Strikingly, we observed highly tissue-specific alterations in the relative ubiquitination levels of HSPs under HD conditions, emphasizing the importance of spatial perturbed post-translational modifications (PTMs) in shaping disease pathology. These ubiquitination events, combined with other PTMs on HSPs, are likely to influence the phase transitions of HTT. In conclusion, our study uncovered differential site-specific ubiquitination of molecular chaperones and offers a comprehensive view of the intricate relationship between protein aggregation, and PTMs in the context of Huntington's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajnadipta Panda
- School of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India
| | - Vivek Sarohi
- School of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India
| | - Trayambak Basak
- School of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India.
| | - Prasad Kasturi
- School of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India.
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17
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Tarantino A, Ciconte G, Ghiroldi A, Mastrocinque F, Micaglio E, Boccellino A, Negro G, Piccoli M, Cirillo F, Vicedomini G, Santinelli V, Anastasia L, Pappone C. Challenges in Brugada Syndrome Stratification: Investigating SCN5A Mutation Localization and Clinical Phenotypes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16658. [PMID: 38068978 PMCID: PMC10706434 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Brugada Syndrome (BrS) is a genetic heart condition linked to sudden cardiac death. Though the SCN5A gene is primarily associated with BrS, there is a lack of comprehensive studies exploring the connection between SCN5A mutation locations and the clinical presentations of the syndrome. This study aimed to address this gap and gain further understanding of the syndrome. The investigation classified 36 high-risk BrS patients based on SCN5A mutations within the transmembrane/structured (TD) and intra-domain loops (IDLs) lacking a 3D structure. We characterized the intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) abundant in IDLs, using bioinformatics tools to predict IDRs and post-translational modifications (PTMs) in NaV1.5. Interestingly, it was found that current predictive tools often underestimate the impacts of mutations in IDLs and disordered regions. Moreover, patients with SCN5A mutations confined to IDL regions-previously deemed 'benign'-displayed clinical symptoms similar to those carrying 'damaging' variants. Our research illuminates the difficulty in stratifying patients based on SCN5A mutation locations, emphasizing the vital role of IDLs in the NaV1.5 channel's functioning and protein interactions. We advocate for caution when using predictive tools for mutation evaluation in these regions and call for the development of improved strategies in accurately assessing BrS risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Tarantino
- Institute for Molecular and Translational Cardiology (IMTC), IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Malan 2, San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy; (A.T.); (M.P.); (F.C.)
- School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Ciconte
- School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy;
- Arrhythmology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Malan 2, San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy; (F.M.); (E.M.); (A.B.); (G.N.); (G.V.); (V.S.)
| | - Andrea Ghiroldi
- Institute for Molecular and Translational Cardiology (IMTC), IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Malan 2, San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy; (A.T.); (M.P.); (F.C.)
| | - Flavio Mastrocinque
- Arrhythmology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Malan 2, San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy; (F.M.); (E.M.); (A.B.); (G.N.); (G.V.); (V.S.)
| | - Emanuele Micaglio
- Arrhythmology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Malan 2, San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy; (F.M.); (E.M.); (A.B.); (G.N.); (G.V.); (V.S.)
| | - Antonio Boccellino
- Arrhythmology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Malan 2, San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy; (F.M.); (E.M.); (A.B.); (G.N.); (G.V.); (V.S.)
| | - Gabriele Negro
- Arrhythmology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Malan 2, San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy; (F.M.); (E.M.); (A.B.); (G.N.); (G.V.); (V.S.)
| | - Marco Piccoli
- Institute for Molecular and Translational Cardiology (IMTC), IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Malan 2, San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy; (A.T.); (M.P.); (F.C.)
| | - Federica Cirillo
- Institute for Molecular and Translational Cardiology (IMTC), IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Malan 2, San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy; (A.T.); (M.P.); (F.C.)
| | - Gabriele Vicedomini
- Arrhythmology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Malan 2, San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy; (F.M.); (E.M.); (A.B.); (G.N.); (G.V.); (V.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Santinelli
- Arrhythmology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Malan 2, San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy; (F.M.); (E.M.); (A.B.); (G.N.); (G.V.); (V.S.)
| | - Luigi Anastasia
- Institute for Molecular and Translational Cardiology (IMTC), IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Malan 2, San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy; (A.T.); (M.P.); (F.C.)
- School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Carlo Pappone
- School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy;
- Arrhythmology Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Malan 2, San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy; (F.M.); (E.M.); (A.B.); (G.N.); (G.V.); (V.S.)
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18
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LaPeruta AJ, Micic J, Woolford Jr. JL. Additional principles that govern the release of pre-ribosomes from the nucleolus into the nucleoplasm in yeast. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:10867-10883. [PMID: 35736211 PMCID: PMC10639060 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac430] [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: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis, pre-ribosomes travel from the nucleolus, where assembly is initiated, to the nucleoplasm and then are exported to the cytoplasm, where assembly concludes. Although nuclear export of pre-ribosomes has been extensively investigated, the release of pre-ribosomes from the nucleolus is an understudied phenomenon. Initial data indicate that unfolded rRNA interacts in trans with nucleolar components and that, when rRNA folds due to ribosomal protein (RP) binding, the number of trans interactions drops below the threshold necessary for nucleolar retention. To validate and expand on this idea, we performed a bioinformatic analysis of the protein components of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ribosome assembly pathway. We found that ribosome biogenesis factors (RiBi factors) contain significantly more predicted trans interacting regions than RPs. We also analyzed cryo-EM structures of ribosome assembly intermediates to determine how nucleolar pre-ribosomes differ from post-nucleolar pre-ribosomes, specifically the capacity of RPs, RiBi factors, and rRNA components to interact in trans. We observed a significant decrease in the theoretical trans-interacting capability of pre-ribosomes between nucleolar and post-nucleolar stages of assembly due to the release of RiBi factors from particles and the folding of rRNA. Here, we provide a mechanism for the release of pre-ribosomes from the nucleolus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber J LaPeruta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Jelena Micic
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - John L Woolford Jr.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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19
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Motaln H, Čerček U, Yamoah A, Tripathi P, Aronica E, Goswami A, Rogelj B. Abl kinase-mediated FUS Tyr526 phosphorylation alters nucleocytoplasmic FUS localization in FTLD-FUS. Brain 2023; 146:4088-4104. [PMID: 37071594 PMCID: PMC10545532 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear to cytoplasmic mislocalization and aggregation of multiple RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), including FUS, are the main neuropathological features of the majority of cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobular degeneration (FTLD). In ALS-FUS, these aggregates arise from disease-associated mutations in FUS, whereas in FTLD-FUS, the cytoplasmic inclusions do not contain mutant FUS, suggesting different molecular mechanisms of FUS pathogenesis in FTLD that remain to be investigated. We have previously shown that phosphorylation of the C-terminal Tyr526 of FUS results in increased cytoplasmic retention of FUS due to impaired binding to the nuclear import receptor TNPO1. Inspired by the above notions, in the current study we developed a novel antibody against the C-terminally phosphorylated Tyr526 FUS (FUSp-Y526) that is specifically capable of recognizing phosphorylated cytoplasmic FUS, which is poorly recognized by other commercially available FUS antibodies. Using this FUSp-Y526 antibody, we demonstrated a FUS phosphorylation-specific effect on the cytoplasmic distribution of soluble and insoluble FUSp-Y526 in various cells and confirmed the involvement of the Src kinase family in Tyr526 FUS phosphorylation. In addition, we found that FUSp-Y526 expression pattern correlates with active pSrc/pAbl kinases in specific brain regions of mice, indicating preferential involvement of cAbl in the cytoplasmic mislocalization of FUSp-Y526 in cortical neurons. Finally, the pattern of immunoreactivity of active cAbl kinase and FUSp-Y526 revealed altered cytoplasmic distribution of FUSp-Y526 in cortical neurons of post-mortem frontal cortex tissue from FTLD patients compared with controls. The overlap of FUSp-Y526 and FUS signals was found preferentially in small diffuse inclusions and was absent in mature aggregates, suggesting possible involvement of FUSp-Y526 in the formation of early toxic FUS aggregates in the cytoplasm that are largely undetected by commercially available FUS antibodies. Given the overlapping patterns of cAbl activity and FUSp-Y526 distribution in cortical neurons, and cAbl induced sequestration of FUSp-Y526 into G3BP1 positive granules in stressed cells, we propose that cAbl kinase is actively involved in mediating cytoplasmic mislocalization and promoting toxic aggregation of wild-type FUS in the brains of FTLD patients, as a novel putative underlying mechanism of FTLD-FUS pathophysiology and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Motaln
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urša Čerček
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Graduate School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alfred Yamoah
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Priyanka Tripathi
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Neuropathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1105 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anand Goswami
- Institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Neurology, Eleanor and Lou Gherig ALS Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Boris Rogelj
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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20
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Kuczyńska-Wiśnik D, Stojowska-Swędrzyńska K, Laskowska E. Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation and Protective Protein Aggregates in Bacteria. Molecules 2023; 28:6582. [PMID: 37764358 PMCID: PMC10534466 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28186582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and the formation of membraneless organelles (MLOs) contribute to the spatiotemporal organization of various physiological processes in the cell. These phenomena have been studied and characterized mainly in eukaryotic cells. However, increasing evidence indicates that LLPS-driven protein condensation may also occur in prokaryotes. Recent studies indicate that aggregates formed during proteotoxic stresses may also play the role of MLOs and increase the fitness of bacteria under stress. The beneficial effect of aggregates may result from the sequestration and protection of proteins against irreversible inactivation or degradation, activation of the protein quality control system and induction of dormancy. The most common stress that bacteria encounter in the natural environment is water loss. Therefore, in this review, we focus on protein aggregates formed in E. coli upon desiccation-rehydration stress. In silico analyses suggest that various mechanisms and interactions are responsible for their formation, including LLPS, disordered sequences and aggregation-prone regions. These data support findings that intrinsically disordered proteins and LLPS may contribute to desiccation tolerance not only in eukaryotic cells but also in bacteria. LLPS-driven aggregation may be a strategy used by pathogens to survive antibiotic treatment and desiccation stress in the hospital environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ewa Laskowska
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland; (D.K.-W.); (K.S.-S.)
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21
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Wei M, Huang X, Liao L, Tian Y, Zheng X. SENP1 Decreases RNF168 Phase Separation to Promote DNA Damage Repair and Drug Resistance in Colon Cancer. Cancer Res 2023; 83:2908-2923. [PMID: 37350666 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-4017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR) is essential for the maintenance of genomic stability. Protein posttranslational modifications play pivotal roles in regulating the DDR process. Here, we found that SUMOylated RNF168 undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), which restricts the recruitment of RNF168 to DNA damage sites, reduces RNF168-catalyzed H2A ubiquitination, restrains 53BP1 in nuclear condensates, and ultimately impairs nonhomologous DNA end joining repair efficiency. Sentrin/SUMO-specific protease 1 (SENP1) was identified as a specific deSUMOylase of RNF168, and it was highly expressed in colorectal adenocarcinoma. In response to DNA damage, SENP1 decreased RNF168 SUMOylation and prevented RNF168 from forming nuclear condensates, thus promoting damage repair efficiency and cancer cell resistance to DNA damaging agents. Moreover, high SENP1 expression correlated with poor prognosis in patients with cancer, and SENP1 depletion sensitized cancer cells to chemotherapy. In summary, these findings reveal DDR is suppressed by SUMOylation-induced LLPS of RNF168 and suggest that SENP1 is a potential target for cancer therapy. SIGNIFICANCE Sentrin/SUMO-specific protease 1 decreases RNF168 SUMOylation and liquid-liquid phase separation to promote DNA damage repair, safeguarding genomic integrity and driving chemotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinping Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Liming Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yonglu Tian
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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22
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Safi A, Smagghe W, Gonçalves A, Wang Q, Xu K, Fernandez AI, Cappe B, Riquet FB, Mylle E, Eeckhout D, De Winne N, Van De Slijke E, Persyn F, Persiau G, Van Damme D, Geelen D, De Jaeger G, Beeckman T, Van Leene J, Vanneste S. Phase separation-based visualization of protein-protein interactions and kinase activities in plants. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:3280-3302. [PMID: 37378595 PMCID: PMC10473206 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Protein activities depend heavily on protein complex formation and dynamic posttranslational modifications, such as phosphorylation. The dynamic nature of protein complex formation and posttranslational modifications is notoriously difficult to monitor in planta at cellular resolution, often requiring extensive optimization. Here, we generated and exploited the SYnthetic Multivalency in PLants (SYMPL)-vector set to assay protein-protein interactions (PPIs) (separation of phases-based protein interaction reporter) and kinase activities (separation of phases-based activity reporter of kinase) in planta, based on phase separation. This technology enabled easy detection of inducible, binary and ternary PPIs among cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins in plant cells via a robust image-based readout. Moreover, we applied the SYMPL toolbox to develop an in vivo reporter for SNF1-related kinase 1 activity, allowing us to visualize tissue-specific, dynamic SnRK1 activity in stable transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants. The SYMPL cloning toolbox provides a means to explore PPIs, phosphorylation, and other posttranslational modifications with unprecedented ease and sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaeddine Safi
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wouter Smagghe
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Amanda Gonçalves
- Cell Death and Inflammation Unit, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research (IRC), Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology (DBMB), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB, Bioimaging Core, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ana Ibis Fernandez
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Benjamin Cappe
- Cell Death and Inflammation Unit, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research (IRC), Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology (DBMB), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Franck B Riquet
- Cell Death and Inflammation Unit, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research (IRC), Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology (DBMB), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Université de Lille, CNRS, UMR 8523-PhLAM-Physique des Lasers Atomes et Molécules, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Evelien Mylle
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dominique Eeckhout
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nancy De Winne
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eveline Van De Slijke
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Freya Persyn
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Persiau
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Daniël Van Damme
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Danny Geelen
- Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert De Jaeger
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Beeckman
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jelle Van Leene
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steffen Vanneste
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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23
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Goldtzvik Y, Sen N, Lam SD, Orengo C. Protein diversification through post-translational modifications, alternative splicing, and gene duplication. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2023; 81:102640. [PMID: 37354790 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2023.102640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Proteins provide the basis for cellular function. Having multiple versions of the same protein within a single organism provides a way of regulating its activity or developing novel functions. Post-translational modifications of proteins, by means of adding/removing chemical groups to amino acids, allow for a well-regulated and controlled way of generating functionally distinct protein species. Alternative splicing is another method with which organisms possibly generate new isoforms. Additionally, gene duplication events throughout evolution generate multiple paralogs of the same genes, resulting in multiple versions of the same protein within an organism. In this review, we discuss recent advancements in the study of these three methods of protein diversification and provide illustrative examples of how they affect protein structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonathan Goldtzvik
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neeladri Sen
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom. https://twitter.com/@NeeladriSen
| | - Su Datt Lam
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Christine Orengo
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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24
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Saar KL, Qian D, Good LL, Morgunov AS, Collepardo-Guevara R, Best RB, Knowles TPJ. Theoretical and Data-Driven Approaches for Biomolecular Condensates. Chem Rev 2023; 123:8988-9009. [PMID: 37171907 PMCID: PMC10375482 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00586] [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: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensation processes are increasingly recognized as a fundamental mechanism that living cells use to organize biomolecules in time and space. These processes can lead to the formation of membraneless organelles that enable cells to perform distinct biochemical processes in controlled local environments, thereby supplying them with an additional degree of spatial control relative to that achieved by membrane-bound organelles. This fundamental importance of biomolecular condensation has motivated a quest to discover and understand the molecular mechanisms and determinants that drive and control this process. Within this molecular viewpoint, computational methods can provide a unique angle to studying biomolecular condensation processes by contributing the resolution and scale that are challenging to reach with experimental techniques alone. In this Review, we focus on three types of dry-lab approaches: theoretical methods, physics-driven simulations and data-driven machine learning methods. We review recent progress in using these tools for probing biomolecular condensation across all three fields and outline the key advantages and limitations of each of the approaches. We further discuss some of the key outstanding challenges that we foresee the community addressing next in order to develop a more complete picture of the molecular driving forces behind biomolecular condensation processes and their biological roles in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadi L. Saar
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
- Transition
Bio Ltd., Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Daoyuan Qian
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Lydia L. Good
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
- Laboratory
of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive
and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes
of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Alexey S. Morgunov
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Rosana Collepardo-Guevara
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
- Department
of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, United Kingdom
| | - Robert B. Best
- Laboratory
of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive
and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes
of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Tuomas P. J. Knowles
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
- Cavendish
Laboratory, Department of Physics, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
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25
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Abstract
Biomolecular condensates are reversible compartments that form through a process called phase separation. Post-translational modifications like ADP-ribosylation can nucleate the formation of these condensates by accelerating the self-association of proteins. Poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) chains are remarkably transient modifications with turnover rates on the order of minutes, yet they can be required for the formation of granules in response to oxidative stress, DNA damage, and other stimuli. Moreover, accumulation of PAR is linked with adverse phase transitions in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In this review, we provide a primer on how PAR is synthesized and regulated, the diverse structures and chemistries of ADP-ribosylation modifications, and protein-PAR interactions. We review substantial progress in recent efforts to determine the molecular mechanism of PAR-mediated phase separation, and we further delineate how inhibitors of PAR polymerases may be effective treatments for neurodegenerative pathologies. Finally, we highlight the need for rigorous biochemical interrogation of ADP-ribosylation in vivo and in vitro to clarify the exact pathway from PARylation to condensate formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Rhine
- Program in Cell, Molecular, Developmental Biology, and Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Hana M Odeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - James Shorter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Sua Myong
- Program in Cell, Molecular, Developmental Biology, and Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Physics Frontier Center (Center for the Physics of Living Cells), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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26
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Curnutte HA, Lan X, Sargen M, Ao Ieong SM, Campbell D, Kim H, Liao Y, Lazar SB, Trcek T. Proteins rather than mRNAs regulate nucleation and persistence of Oskar germ granules in Drosophila. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112723. [PMID: 37384531 PMCID: PMC10439980 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA granules are membraneless condensates that provide functional compartmentalization within cells. The mechanisms by which RNA granules form are under intense investigation. Here, we characterize the role of mRNAs and proteins in the formation of germ granules in Drosophila. Super-resolution microscopy reveals that the number, size, and distribution of germ granules is precisely controlled. Surprisingly, germ granule mRNAs are not required for the nucleation or the persistence of germ granules but instead control their size and composition. Using an RNAi screen, we determine that RNA regulators, helicases, and mitochondrial proteins regulate germ granule number and size, while the proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum, nuclear pore complex, and cytoskeleton control their distribution. Therefore, the protein-driven formation of Drosophila germ granules is mechanistically distinct from the RNA-dependent condensation observed for other RNA granules such as stress granules and P-bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison A Curnutte
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Xinyue Lan
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Manuel Sargen
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Si Man Ao Ieong
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Dylan Campbell
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Hyosik Kim
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Yijun Liao
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Sarah Bailah Lazar
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Tatjana Trcek
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
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27
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Risso-Ballester J, Rameix-Welti MA. Spatial resolution of virus replication: RSV and cytoplasmic inclusion bodies. Adv Virus Res 2023; 116:1-43. [PMID: 37524479 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aivir.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children, elderly and immunocompromised individuals worldwide representing a severe burden for health systems. The urgent development of vaccines or specific antivirals against RSV is impaired by the lack of knowledge regarding its replication mechanisms. RSV is a negative-sense single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) virus belonging to the Mononegavirales order (MNV) which includes other viruses pathogenic to humans as Rabies (RabV), Ebola (EBOV), or measles (MeV) viruses. Transcription and replication of viral genomes occur within cytoplasmatic virus-induced spherical inclusions, commonly referred as inclusion bodies (IBs). Recently IBs were shown to exhibit properties of membrane-less organelles (MLO) arising by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Compartmentalization of viral RNA synthesis steps in viral-induced MLO is indeed a common feature of MNV. Strikingly these key compartments still remain mysterious. Most of our current knowledge on IBs relies on the use of fluorescence microscopy. The ability to fluorescently label IBs in cells has been key to uncover their dynamics and nature. The generation of recombinant viruses expressing a fluorescently-labeled viral protein and the immunolabeling or the expression of viral fusion proteins known to be recruited in IBs are some of the tools used to visualize IBs in infected cells. In this chapter, microscope techniques and the most relevant studies that have shed light on RSV IBs fundamental aspects, including biogenesis, organization and dynamics are being discussed and brought to light with the investigations carried out on other MNV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie-Anne Rameix-Welti
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris-Saclay, Université de Versailles St. Quentin, UMR 1173 (2I), INSERM, Paris, France; Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Ambroise Paré, Laboratoire de Microbiologie, DMU15, Paris, France.
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28
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Hurtle BT, Xie L, Donnelly CJ. Disrupting pathologic phase transitions in neurodegeneration. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e168549. [PMID: 37395272 DOI: 10.1172/jci168549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Solid-like protein deposits found in aged and diseased human brains have revealed a relationship between insoluble protein accumulations and the resulting deficits in neurologic function. Clinically diverse neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, exhibit unique and disease-specific biochemical protein signatures and abnormal protein depositions that often correlate with disease pathogenesis. Recent evidence indicates that many pathologic proteins assemble into liquid-like protein phases through the highly coordinated process of liquid-liquid phase separation. Over the last decade, biomolecular phase transitions have emerged as a fundamental mechanism of cellular organization. Liquid-like condensates organize functionally related biomolecules within the cell, and many neuropathology-associated proteins reside within these dynamic structures. Thus, examining biomolecular phase transitions enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms mediating toxicity across diverse neurodegenerative diseases. This Review explores the known mechanisms contributing to aberrant protein phase transitions in neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on tau and TDP-43 proteinopathies and outlining potential therapeutic strategies to regulate these pathologic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan T Hurtle
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate Program
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh; and
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Longxin Xie
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Christopher J Donnelly
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate Program
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh; and
- LiveLikeLou Center for ALS Research at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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29
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Vasquez OE, Allen AM, So AKC, Nguyen QH, Krause HM, Levine JD, Sokolowski MB. Characterizing the Protein Isoforms of foraging ( for), the PKGI Ortholog in Drosophila melanogaster. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10219. [PMID: 37373366 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210219] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The foraging (for) gene of Drosophila melanogaster encodes a cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG), which is a major effector of the cGMP signaling pathway involved in the regulation of behaviour and metabolic traits. Despite being well studied at the transcript level, little is known about the for gene at the protein level. Here, we provide a detailed characterization of the for gene protein (FOR) products and present new tools for their study, including five isoform-specific antibodies and a transgenic strain that carries an HA-labelled for allele (forBAC::HA). Our results showed that multiple FOR isoforms were expressed in the larval and adult stages of D. melanogaster and that the majority of whole-body FOR expression arises from three (P1, P1α, and P3) of eight putative protein isoforms. We found that FOR expression differed between the larval and adult stages and between the dissected larval organs we analyzed, which included the central nervous system (CNS), fat body, carcass, and intestine. Moreover, we showed that the FOR expression differed between two allelic variants of the for gene, namely, fors (sitter) and forR (rover), that are known to differ in many food-related traits. Together, our in vivo identification of FOR isoforms and the existence of temporal, spatial, and genetic differences in their expression lay the groundwork for determining their functional significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar E Vasquez
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - Aaron M Allen
- Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, Oxford University, Oxford OX1 3SR, UK
| | - Anthony K-C So
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Quynh H Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Henry M Krause
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Joel D Levine
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
- Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Marla B Sokolowski
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada
- Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
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30
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Wang J, Chang H, Quan X, Dai X, Wang Y, Wang C, Zhang S, Shan C. A model for identification of potential phase-separated proteins based on protein sequence, structure and cellular distribution. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 243:125196. [PMID: 37285890 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The cells are like a highly industrialized and urbanized city, filled with numerous biological macromolecules and metabolites, forming a crowded environment. While, the cells have compartmentalized organelles to complete different biological processes efficiently and orderly. However, membraneless organelles are more dynamic and adaptable for transient events including signal transduction and molecular interactions. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a mechanism that is widespread in which macromolecules form condensates without membranes to exert biological functions in crowded environments. Due to the lack of deep understanding of phase-separated proteins, platforms exploring phase-separated proteins by high-throughput methods is lacking. Bioinformatics has its unique properties and has proven to be a great impetus in multiple fields. Here, We integrated the amino acid sequence, protein structure, and cellular localization, then developed a workflow for screening phase-separated proteins and identified a novel cell cycle-related phase separation protein, serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 2 (SRSF2). In conclusion, we developed a workflow as a useful resource for predicting phase-separated proteins based on multi-prediction tool, which has an important contribution to the further identification of phase-separated proteins and the development strategies for treating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Hongkai Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xiaojing Quan
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xintong Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Chenxi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Changliang Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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31
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Zhang X, Li H, Ma Y, Zhong D, Hou S. Study liquid-liquid phase separation with optical microscopy: A methodology review. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:021502. [PMID: 37180732 PMCID: PMC10171890 DOI: 10.1063/5.0137008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a critical process involving the dynamic association of biomolecules and the formation of non-membrane compartments, playing a vital role in regulating biomolecular interactions and organelle functions. A comprehensive understanding of cellular LLPS mechanisms at the molecular level is crucial, as many diseases are linked to LLPS, and insights gained can inform drug/gene delivery processes and aid in the diagnosis and treatment of associated diseases. Over the past few decades, numerous techniques have been employed to investigate the LLPS process. In this review, we concentrate on optical imaging methods applied to LLPS studies. We begin by introducing LLPS and its molecular mechanism, followed by a review of the optical imaging methods and fluorescent probes employed in LLPS research. Furthermore, we discuss potential future imaging tools applicable to the LLPS studies. This review aims to provide a reference for selecting appropriate optical imaging methods for LLPS investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yue Ma
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | | | - Shangguo Hou
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
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32
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Ranganathan S, Dasmeh P, Furniss S, Shakhnovich E. Phosphorylation sites are evolutionary checkpoints against liquid-solid transition in protein condensates. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2215828120. [PMID: 37155880 PMCID: PMC10193986 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2215828120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Assemblies of multivalent RNA-binding protein fused in sarcoma (FUS) can exist in the functional liquid-like state as well as less dynamic and potentially toxic amyloid- and hydrogel-like states. How could then cells form liquid-like condensates while avoiding their transformation to amyloids? Here, we show how posttranslational phosphorylation can provide a "handle" that prevents liquid-solid transition of intracellular condensates containing FUS. Using residue-specific coarse-grained simulations, for 85 different mammalian FUS sequences, we show how the number of phosphorylation sites and their spatial arrangement affect intracluster dynamics preventing conversion to amyloids. All atom simulations further confirm that phosphorylation can effectively reduce the β-sheet propensity in amyloid-prone fragments of FUS. A detailed evolutionary analysis shows that mammalian FUS PLDs are enriched in amyloid-prone stretches compared to control neutrally evolved sequences, suggesting that mammalian FUS proteins evolved to self-assemble. However, in stark contrast to proteins that do not phase-separate for their function, mammalian sequences have phosphosites in close proximity to these amyloid-prone regions. These results suggest that evolution uses amyloid-prone sequences in prion-like domains to enhance phase separation of condensate proteins while enriching phosphorylation sites in close proximity to safeguard against liquid-solid transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srivastav Ranganathan
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
| | - Pouria Dasmeh
- Center for Human Genetics, Marburg University, Marburg35033, Germany
| | - Seth Furniss
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- Department of Chemistry, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, OxfordOX1 3QZ, United Kingdom
| | - Eugene Shakhnovich
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
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Choi HJ, Lee JY, Kim K. Glutathionylation on RNA-binding proteins: a regulator of liquid‒liquid phase separation in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:735-744. [PMID: 37009800 PMCID: PMC10167235 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-00978-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) containing low-sequence complexity domains mediate the formation of cellular condensates and membrane-less organelles with biological functions via liquid‒liquid phase separation (LLPS). However, the abnormal phase transition of these proteins induces the formation of insoluble aggregates. Aggregates are pathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The molecular mechanisms underlying aggregate formation by ALS-associated RPBs remain largely unknown. This review highlights emerging studies on various posttranslational modifications (PTMs) related to protein aggregation. We begin with the introduction of several ALS-associated RBPs that form aggregates induced by phase separation. In addition, we highlight our recent discovery of a new PTM involved in the phase transition during the pathogenesis of fused-in-sarcoma (FUS)-associated ALS. We suggest a molecular mechanism through which LLPS mediates glutathionylation in FUS-linked ALS. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of the key molecular mechanisms of LLPS-mediated aggregate formation by PTMs, which will help further the understanding of the pathogenesis and development of ALS therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Jun Choi
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, 31151, Korea
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, 31151, Korea
| | - Ji Young Lee
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, 31538, Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, 31538, Korea
| | - Kiyoung Kim
- Department of Medical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, 31538, Korea.
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Ainani H, Bouchmaa N, Ben Mrid R, El Fatimy R. Liquid-liquid phase separation of protein tau: An emerging process in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 178:106011. [PMID: 36702317 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reactions within cells occur in various isolated compartments with or without borders, the latter being known as membrane-less organelles (MLOs). The MLOs show liquid-like properties and are formed by a process known as liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). MLOs contribute to different molecules interactions such as protein-protein, protein-RNA, and RNA-RNA driven by various factors, such as multivalency of intrinsic disorders. MLOs are involved in several cell signaling pathways such as transcription, immune response, and cellular organization. However, disruption of these processes has been found in different pathologies. Recently, it has been demonstrated that protein aggregates, a characteristic of some neurodegenerative diseases, undergo similar phase separation. Tau protein is known as a major neurofibrillary tangles component in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This protein can undergo phase separation to form a MLO known as tau droplet in vitro and in vivo, and this process can be facilitated by several factors, including crowding agents, RNA, and phosphorylation. Tau droplet has been shown to mature into insoluble aggregates suggesting that this process may precede and induce neurodegeneration in AD. Here we review major factors involved in liquid droplet formation within a cell. Additionally, we highlight recent findings concerning tau aggregation following phase separation in AD, along with the potential therapeutic strategies that could be explored in this process against the progression of this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Ainani
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB), UM6P-Faculty of Medical Sciences (UM6P-FMS), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben-Guerir, Morocco
| | - Najat Bouchmaa
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB), UM6P-Faculty of Medical Sciences (UM6P-FMS), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben-Guerir, Morocco
| | - Reda Ben Mrid
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB), UM6P-Faculty of Medical Sciences (UM6P-FMS), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben-Guerir, Morocco
| | - Rachid El Fatimy
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB), UM6P-Faculty of Medical Sciences (UM6P-FMS), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Ben-Guerir, Morocco.
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Duan G, Li Y, Ye M, Liu H, Wang N, Luo S. The Regulatory Mechanism of Transthyretin Irreversible Aggregation through Liquid-to-Solid Phase Transition. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043729. [PMID: 36835140 PMCID: PMC9960511 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Transthyretin (TTR) aggregation and amyloid formation are associated with several ATTR diseases, such as senile systemic amyloidosis (SSA) and familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP). However, the mechanism that triggers the initial pathologic aggregation process of TTR remains largely elusive. Lately, increasing evidence has suggested that many proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and subsequent liquid-to-solid phase transition before the formation of amyloid fibrils. Here, we demonstrate that electrostatic interactions mediate LLPS of TTR, followed by a liquid-solid phase transition, and eventually the formation of amyloid fibrils under a mildly acidic pH in vitro. Furthermore, pathogenic mutations (V30M, R34T, and K35T) of TTR and heparin promote the process of phase transition and facilitate the formation of fibrillar aggregates. In addition, S-cysteinylation, which is a kind of post-translational modification of TTR, reduces the kinetic stability of TTR and increases the propensity for aggregation, while another modification, S-sulfonation, stabilizes the TTR tetramer and reduces the aggregation rate. Once TTR was S-cysteinylated or S-sulfonated, they dramatically underwent the process of phase transition, providing a foundation for post-translational modifications that could modulate TTR LLPS in the context of pathological interactions. These novel findings reveal molecular insights into the mechanism of TTR from initial LLPS and subsequent liquid-to-solid phase transition to amyloid fibrils, providing a new dimension for ATTR therapy.
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Broni E, Miller WA. Computational Analysis Predicts Correlations among Amino Acids in SARS-CoV-2 Proteomes. Biomedicines 2023; 11:512. [PMID: 36831052 PMCID: PMC9953644 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020512] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a serious global challenge requiring urgent and permanent therapeutic solutions. These solutions can only be engineered if the patterns and rate of mutations of the virus can be elucidated. Predicting mutations and the structure of proteins based on these mutations have become necessary for early drug and vaccine design purposes in anticipation of future viral mutations. The amino acid composition (AAC) of proteomes and individual viral proteins provide avenues for exploitation since AACs have been previously used to predict structure, shape and evolutionary rates. Herein, the frequency of amino acid residues found in 1637 complete proteomes belonging to 11 SARS-CoV-2 variants/lineages were analyzed. Leucine is the most abundant amino acid residue in the SARS-CoV-2 with an average AAC of 9.658% while tryptophan had the least abundance of 1.11%. The AAC and ranking of lysine and glycine varied in the proteome. For some variants, glycine had higher frequency and AAC than lysine and vice versa in other variants. Tryptophan was also observed to be the most intolerant to mutation in the various proteomes for the variants used. A correlogram revealed a very strong correlation of 0.999992 between B.1.525 (Eta) and B.1.526 (Iota) variants. Furthermore, isoleucine and threonine were observed to have a very strong negative correlation of -0.912, while cysteine and isoleucine had a very strong positive correlation of 0.835 at p < 0.001. Shapiro-Wilk normality test revealed that AAC values for all the amino acid residues except methionine showed no evidence of non-normality at p < 0.05. Thus, AACs of SARS-CoV-2 variants can be predicted using probability and z-scores. AACs may be beneficial in classifying viral strains, predicting viral disease types, members of protein families, protein interactions and for diagnostic purposes. They may also be used as a feature along with other crucial factors in machine-learning based algorithms to predict viral mutations. These mutation-predicting algorithms may help in developing effective therapeutics and vaccines for SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Broni
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Whelton A. Miller
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
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Chau BA, Chen V, Cochrane AW, Parent LJ, Mouland AJ. Liquid-liquid phase separation of nucleocapsid proteins during SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 replication. Cell Rep 2023; 42:111968. [PMID: 36640305 PMCID: PMC9790868 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The leap of retroviruses and coronaviruses from animal hosts to humans has led to two ongoing pandemics and tens of millions of deaths worldwide. Retrovirus and coronavirus nucleocapsid proteins have been studied extensively as potential drug targets due to their central roles in virus replication, among which is their capacity to bind their respective genomic RNAs for packaging into nascent virions. This review focuses on fundamental studies of these nucleocapsid proteins and how their intrinsic abilities to condense through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) contribute to viral replication. Therapeutic targeting of these condensates and methodological advances are also described to address future questions on how phase separation contributes to viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-An Chau
- HIV-1 RNA Trafficking Lab, Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Venessa Chen
- HIV-1 RNA Trafficking Lab, Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Alan W Cochrane
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Leslie J Parent
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Departments of Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Andrew J Mouland
- HIV-1 RNA Trafficking Lab, Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
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Yang Y, Fritzsching KJ, He S, McDermott AE. Zinc Alters the Supramolecular Organization of Nucleic Acid Complexes with Full-Length TIA1. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.25.525508. [PMID: 36747652 PMCID: PMC9900833 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.25.525508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
T-Cell Intracellular Antigen-1 (TIA1) is a 43 kDa multi-domain RNA-binding protein involved in stress granule formation during eukaryotic stress response, and has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases including Welander distal myopathy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. TIA1 contains three RNA recognition motifs (RRMs), which are capable of binding nucleic acids and a C-terminal Q/N-rich prion-related domain (PRD) which has been variously described as intrinsically disordered or prion inducing and is believed to play a role in promoting liquid-liquid phase separation connected with the assembly of stress granule formation. Motivated by the fact that our prior work shows RRMs 2 and 3 are well-ordered in an oligomeric full-length form, while RRM1 and the PRD appear to phase separate, the present work addresses whether the oligomeric form is functional and competent for binding, and probes the consequences of nucleic acid binding for oligomerization and protein conformation change. New SSNMR data show that ssDNA binds to full-length oligomeric TIA1 primarily at the RRM2 domain, but also weakly at the RRM3 domain, and Zn 2+ binds primarily to RRM3. Binding of Zn 2+ and DNA was reversible for the full-length wild type oligomeric form, and did not lead to formation of amyloid fibrils, despite the presence of the C-terminal prion-related domain. While TIA1:DNA complexes appear as long "daisy chained" structures, the addition of Zn 2+ caused the structures to collapse. We surmise that this points to a regulatory role for Zn 2+ . By occupying various "half" binding sites on RRM3 Zn 2+ may shift the nucleic acid binding off RRM3 and onto RRM2. More importantly, the use of different half sites on different monomers may introduce a mesh of crosslinks in the supramolecular complex rendering it compact and markedly reducing the access to the nucleic acids (including transcripts) from solution.
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Yu K, Liu Z, Cheng H, Li S, Zhang Q, Liu J, Ju HQ, Zuo Z, Zhao Q, Kang S, Liu ZX. dSCOPE: a software to detect sequences critical for liquid-liquid phase separation. Brief Bioinform 2023; 24:6927233. [PMID: 36528388 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbac550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane-based cells are the fundamental structural and functional units of organisms, while evidences demonstrate that liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is associated with the formation of membraneless organelles, such as P-bodies, nucleoli and stress granules. Many studies have been undertaken to explore the functions of protein phase separation (PS), but these studies lacked an effective tool to identify the sequence segments that critical for LLPS. In this study, we presented a novel software called dSCOPE (http://dscope.omicsbio.info) to predict the PS-driving regions. To develop the predictor, we curated experimentally identified sequence segments that can drive LLPS from published literature. Then sliding sequence window based physiological, biochemical, structural and coding features were integrated by random forest algorithm to perform prediction. Through rigorous evaluation, dSCOPE was demonstrated to achieve satisfactory performance. Furthermore, large-scale analysis of human proteome based on dSCOPE showed that the predicted PS-driving regions enriched various protein post-translational modifications and cancer mutations, and the proteins which contain predicted PS-driving regions enriched critical cellular signaling pathways. Taken together, dSCOPE precisely predicted the protein sequence segments critical for LLPS, with various helpful information visualized in the webserver to facilitate LLPS-related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zekun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Haoyang Cheng
- Department of Computer Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Shihua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Qingfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Huai-Qiang Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zhixiang Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Shiyang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Ze-Xian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
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Abstract
The capacity of cells to organize complex biochemical reactions in intracellular space is a fundamental organizational principle of life. Key to this organization is the compartmentalization of the cytoplasm into distinct organelles, which is frequently achieved through intracellular membranes. Recent evidence, however, has added a new layer of flexibility to cellular compartmentalization. As such, in response to specific stimuli, liquid-liquid phase separations can lead to the rapid rearrangements of the cytoplasm to form membraneless organelles. Stress granules (SGs) are one such type of organelle that form specifically when cells are faced with stress stimuli, to aid cells in coping with stress. Inherently, altered SG formation has been linked to the pathogenesis of diseases associated with stress and inflammatory conditions, including cancer. Exciting discoveries have indicated an intimate link between SGs and tumorigenesis. Several pro-tumorigenic signaling molecules including the RAS oncogene, mTOR, and histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) have been shown to upregulate SG formation. Based on these studies, SGs have emerged as structures that can integrate oncogenic signaling and tumor-associated stress stimuli to enhance cancer cell fitness. In addition, growing evidence over the past decade suggests that SGs function not only to regulate the switch between survival and cell death, but also contribute to cancer cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Although much remains to be learned about the role of SGs in tumorigenesis, these studies highlight SGs as a key regulatory hub in cancer and a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Seok Song
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elda Grabocka
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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41
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Amankwaa B, Schoborg T, Labrador M. Drosophila insulator proteins exhibit in vivo liquid-liquid phase separation properties. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/12/e202201536. [PMID: 35853678 PMCID: PMC9297610 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila insulator proteins and the cohesin subunit Rad21 coalesce in vivo to form liquid-droplet condensates, suggesting that liquid–liquid phase separation mediates their function in 3D genome organization. Mounting evidence implicates liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS), the condensation of biomolecules into liquid-like droplets in the formation and dissolution of membraneless intracellular organelles (MLOs). Cells use MLOs or condensates for various biological processes, including emergency signaling and spatiotemporal control over steady-state biochemical reactions and heterochromatin formation. Insulator proteins are architectural elements involved in establishing independent domains of transcriptional activity within eukaryotic genomes. In Drosophila, insulator proteins form nuclear foci known as insulator bodies in response to osmotic stress. However, the mechanism through which insulator proteins assemble into bodies is yet to be investigated. Here, we identify signatures of LLPS by insulator bodies, including high disorder tendency in insulator proteins, scaffold–client–dependent assembly, extensive fusion behavior, sphericity, and sensitivity to 1,6-hexanediol. We also show that the cohesin subunit Rad21 is a component of insulator bodies, adding to the known insulator protein constituents and γH2Av. Our data suggest a concerted role of cohesin and insulator proteins in insulator body formation and under physiological conditions. We propose a mechanism whereby these architectural proteins modulate 3D genome organization through LLPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bright Amankwaa
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Todd Schoborg
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Mariano Labrador
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
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42
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Cheng SLH, Wu HW, Xu H, Singh RM, Yao T, Jang IC, Chua NH. Nutrient status regulates MED19a phase separation for ORESARA1-dependent senescence. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 236:1779-1795. [PMID: 36093737 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The mediator complex is highly conserved in eukgaryotes and is integral for transcriptional responses. Mediator subunits associate with signal-responsive transcription factors (TF) to activate expression of specific signal-responsive genes. As the key TF of Arabidopsis thaliana senescence, ORESARA1 (ORE1) is required for nitrogen deficiency (-N) induced senescence; however, the mediator subunit that associates with ORE1 remains unknown. Here, we show that Arabidopsis MED19a associates with ORE1 to activate -N senescence-responsive genes. Disordered MED19a forms inducible nuclear condensates under -N that is regulated by decreasing MED19a lysine acetylation. MED19a carboxyl terminus (cMED19a) harbors a mixed-charged intrinsically disordered region (MC-IDR) required for ORE1 interaction and liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Plant and human cMED19 are sufficient to form heterotypic condensates with ORE1. Human cMED19 MC-IDR, but not yeast cMED19 IDR, partially complements med19a suggesting functional conservation in evolutionarily distant eukaryotes. Phylogenetic analysis of eukaryotic cMED19 revealed that the MC-IDR could arise through convergent evolution. Our result of MED19 MC-IDR suggests that plant MED19 is regulated by phase separation during stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Le Hung Cheng
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | | | - Haiying Xu
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore
| | - Reuben Manjit Singh
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore
| | - Tao Yao
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore
| | - In-Cheol Jang
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Nam-Hai Chua
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117604, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117596, Singapore
- Disruptive & Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, 1 Create Way, #03-06/07/8 Research Wing, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
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How phosphorylation impacts intrinsically disordered proteins and their function. Essays Biochem 2022; 66:901-913. [PMID: 36350035 PMCID: PMC9760426 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Phosphorylation is the most common post-translational modification (PTM) in eukaryotes, occurring particularly frequently in intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). These proteins are highly flexible and dynamic by nature. Thus, it is intriguing that the addition of a single phosphoryl group to a disordered chain can impact its function so dramatically. Furthermore, as many IDPs carry multiple phosphorylation sites, the number of possible states increases, enabling larger complexities and novel mechanisms. Although a chemically simple and well-understood process, the impact of phosphorylation on the conformational ensemble and molecular function of IDPs, not to mention biological output, is highly complex and diverse. Since the discovery of the first phosphorylation site in proteins 75 years ago, we have come to a much better understanding of how this PTM works, but with the diversity of IDPs and their capacity for carrying multiple phosphoryl groups, the complexity grows. In this Essay, we highlight some of the basic effects of IDP phosphorylation, allowing it to serve as starting point when embarking on studies into this topic. We further describe how recent complex cases of multisite phosphorylation of IDPs have been instrumental in widening our view on the effect of protein phosphorylation. Finally, we put forward perspectives on the phosphorylation of IDPs, both in relation to disease and in context of other PTMs; areas where deep insight remains to be uncovered.
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NMR insights into dynamic, multivalent interactions of intrinsically disordered regions: from discrete complexes to condensates. Essays Biochem 2022; 66:863-873. [PMID: 36416859 PMCID: PMC9760423 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The spatial and temporal organization of interactions between proteins underlie the regulation of most cellular processes. The requirement for such interactions to be specific predisposes a view that protein-protein interactions are relatively static and are formed through the stable complementarity of the interacting partners. A growing body of reports indicate, however, that many interactions lead to fuzzy complexes with an ensemble of conformations in dynamic exchange accounting for the observed binding. Here, we discuss how NMR has facilitated the characterization of these discrete, dynamic complexes and how such characterization has aided the understanding of dynamic, condensed phases of phase-separating proteins with exchanging multivalent interactions.
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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.
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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
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Gueta O, Amiram M. Expanding the chemical repertoire of protein-based polymers for drug-delivery applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 190:114460. [PMID: 36030987 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Expanding the chemical repertoire of natural and artificial protein-based polymers (PBPs) can enable the production of sequence-defined, yet chemically diverse, biopolymers with customized or new properties that cannot be accessed in PBPs composed of only natural amino acids. Various approaches can enable the expansion of the chemical repertoire of PBPs, including chemical and enzymatic treatments or the incorporation of unnatural amino acids. These techniques are employed to install a wide variety of chemical groups-such as bio-orthogonally reactive, cross-linkable, post-translation modifications, and environmentally responsive groups-which, in turn, can facilitate the design of customized PBP-based drug-delivery systems with modified, fine-tuned, or entirely new properties and functions. Here, we detail the existing and emerging technologies for expanding the chemical repertoire of PBPs and review several chemical groups that either demonstrate or are anticipated to show potential in the design of PBP-based drug delivery systems. Finally, we provide our perspective on the remaining challenges and future directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osher Gueta
- The Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Miriam Amiram
- The Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel.
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Ren J, Zhang Z, Zong Z, Zhang L, Zhou F. Emerging Implications of Phase Separation in Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2202855. [PMID: 36117111 PMCID: PMC9631093 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202202855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, biological activities are executed in distinct cellular compartments or organelles. Canonical organelles with membrane-bound structures are well understood. Cells also inherently contain versatile membrane-less organelles (MLOs) that feature liquid or gel-like bodies. A biophysical process termed liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) elucidates how MLOs form through dynamic biomolecule assembly. LLPS-related molecules often have multivalency, which is essential for low-affinity inter- or intra-molecule interactions to trigger phase separation. Accumulating evidence shows that LLPS concentrates and organizes desired molecules or segregates unneeded molecules in cells. Thus, MLOs have tunable functional specificity in response to environmental stimuli and metabolic processes. Aberrant LLPS is widely associated with several hallmarks of cancer, including sustained proliferative signaling, growth suppressor evasion, cell death resistance, telomere maintenance, DNA damage repair, etc. Insights into the molecular mechanisms of LLPS provide new insights into cancer therapeutics. Here, the current understanding of the emerging concepts of LLPS and its involvement in cancer are comprehensively reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Ren
- School of MedicineZhejiang University City CollegeHangzhou215123China
- The Eighth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhen518033China
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenan450003China
| | - Zhi Zong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling NetworkLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Long Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling NetworkLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
- International Biomed‐X Research Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhou215123China
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- School of MedicineZhejiang University City CollegeHangzhou215123China
- Institutes of Biology and Medical SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhou215123China
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van Tartwijk FW, Kaminski CF. Protein Condensation, Cellular Organization, and Spatiotemporal Regulation of Cytoplasmic Properties. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2101328. [PMID: 35796197 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202101328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The cytoplasm is an aqueous, highly crowded solution of active macromolecules. Its properties influence the behavior of proteins, including their folding, motion, and interactions. In particular, proteins in the cytoplasm can interact to form phase-separated assemblies, so-called biomolecular condensates. The interplay between cytoplasmic properties and protein condensation is critical in a number of functional contexts and is the subject of this review. The authors first describe how cytoplasmic properties can affect protein behavior, in particular condensate formation, and then describe the functional implications of this interplay in three cellular contexts, which exemplify how protein self-organization can be adapted to support certain physiological phenotypes. The authors then describe the formation of RNA-protein condensates in highly polarized cells such as neurons, where condensates play a critical role in the regulation of local protein synthesis, and describe how different stressors trigger extensive reorganization of the cytoplasm, both through signaling pathways and through direct stress-induced changes in cytoplasmic properties. Finally, the authors describe changes in protein behavior and cytoplasmic properties that may occur in extremophiles, in particular organisms that have adapted to inhabit environments of extreme temperature, and discuss the implications and functional importance of these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca W van Tartwijk
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Clemens F Kaminski
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
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Rahman SK, Ampah KK, Roy P. Role of NS2 specific RNA binding and phosphorylation in liquid-liquid phase separation and virus assembly. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:11273-11284. [PMID: 36259663 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has assumed a prominent role in biological cell systems, where it underpins the formation of subcellular compartments necessary for cell function. We investigated the underlying mechanism of LLPS in virus infected cells, where virus inclusion bodies are formed by an RNA-binding phosphoprotein (NS2) of Bluetongue virus to serve as sites for subviral particle assembly and virus maturation. We show that NS2 undergoes LLPS that is dependent on protein phosphorylation and RNA-binding and that LLPS occurrence is accompanied by a change in protein secondary structure. Site-directed mutagenesis identified two critical arginine residues in NS2 responsible for specific RNA binding and thus for NS2-RNA complex driven LLPS. Reverse genetics identified the same residues as essential for VIB assembly in infected cells and virus viability. Our findings suggest that a specific arginine-RNA interaction in the context of a phosphorylated state drives LLPS in this, and possibly other, virus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shah Kamranur Rahman
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT UK
| | - Khamal Kwesi Ampah
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT UK
| | - Polly Roy
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT UK
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Balanced Force Field ff03CMAP Improving the Dynamics Conformation Sampling of Phosphorylation Site. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911285. [PMID: 36232586 PMCID: PMC9569523 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphorylation plays a key role in plant biology, such as the accumulation of plant cells to form the observed proteome. Statistical analysis found that many phosphorylation sites are located in disordered regions. However, current force fields are mainly trained for structural proteins, which might not have the capacity to perfectly capture the dynamic conformation of the phosphorylated proteins. Therefore, we evaluated the performance of ff03CMAP, a balanced force field between structural and disordered proteins, for the sampling of the phosphorylated proteins. The test results of 11 different phosphorylated systems, including dipeptides, disordered proteins, folded proteins, and their complex, indicate that the ff03CMAP force field can better sample the conformations of phosphorylation sites for disordered proteins and disordered regions than ff03. For the solvent model, the results strongly suggest that the ff03CMAP force field with the TIP4PD water model is the best combination for the conformer sampling. Additional tests of CHARMM36m and FB18 force fields on two phosphorylated systems suggest that the overall performance of ff03CMAP is similar to that of FB18 and better than that of CHARMM36m. These results can help other researchers to choose suitable force field and solvent models to investigate the dynamic properties of phosphorylation proteins.
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