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Netzer A, Baruch Leshem A, Veretnik S, Edelstein I, Lampel A. Regulation of Peptide Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation by Aromatic Amino Acid Composition. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2401665. [PMID: 38804888 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202401665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Membraneless organelles are cellular biomolecular condensates that are formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of proteins and nucleic acids. LLPS is driven by multiple weak attractive forces, including intermolecular interactions mediated by aromatic amino acids. Considering the contribution of π-electron bearing side chains to protein-RNA LLPS, systematically study sought to how the composition of aromatic amino acids affects the formation of heterotypic condensates and their physical properties. For this, a library of minimalistic peptide building blocks is designed containing varying number and compositions of aromatic amino acids. It is shown that the number of aromatics in the peptide sequence affect LLPS propensity, material properties and (bio)chemical stability of peptide/RNA heterotypic condensates. The findings shed light on the contribution of aromatics' composition to the formation of heterotypic condensates. These insights can be applied for regulation of condensate material properties and improvement of their (bio)chemical stability, for various biomedical and biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Netzer
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Avigail Baruch Leshem
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Shirel Veretnik
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Ilan Edelstein
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Ayala Lampel
- Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
- Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
- Sagol Center for Regenerative Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
- Center for the Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
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2
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Dickson ZW, Golding GB. Evolution of Transcript Abundance is Influenced by Indels in Protein Low Complexity Regions. J Mol Evol 2024; 92:153-168. [PMID: 38485789 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-024-10158-z] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Protein Protein low complexity regions (LCRs) are compositionally biased amino acid sequences, many of which have significant evolutionary impacts on the proteins which contain them. They are mutationally unstable experiencing higher rates of indels and substitutions than higher complexity regions. LCRs also impact the expression of their proteins, likely through multiple effects along the path from gene transcription, through translation, and eventual protein degradation. It has been observed that proteins which contain LCRs are associated with elevated transcript abundance (TAb), despite having lower protein abundance. We have gathered and integrated human data to investigate the co-evolution of TAb and LCRs through ancestral reconstructions and model inference using an approximate Bayesian calculation based method. We observe that on short evolutionary timescales TAb evolution is significantly impacted by changes in LCR length, with insertions driving TAb down. But in contrast, the observed data is best explained by indel rates in LCRs which are unaffected by shifts in TAb. Our work demonstrates a coupling between LCR and TAb evolution, and the utility of incorporating multiple responses into evolutionary analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - G Brian Golding
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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3
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Davis RB, Supakar A, Ranganath AK, Moosa MM, Banerjee PR. Heterotypic interactions can drive selective co-condensation of prion-like low-complexity domains of FET proteins and mammalian SWI/SNF complex. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1168. [PMID: 38326345 PMCID: PMC10850361 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44945-5] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Prion-like domains (PLDs) are low-complexity protein sequences enriched within nucleic acid-binding proteins including those involved in transcription and RNA processing. PLDs of FUS and EWSR1 play key roles in recruiting chromatin remodeler mammalian SWI/SNF (mSWI/SNF) complex to oncogenic FET fusion protein condensates. Here, we show that disordered low-complexity domains of multiple SWI/SNF subunits are prion-like with a strong propensity to undergo intracellular phase separation. These PLDs engage in sequence-specific heterotypic interactions with the PLD of FUS in the dilute phase at sub-saturation conditions, leading to the formation of PLD co-condensates. In the dense phase, homotypic and heterotypic PLD interactions are highly cooperative, resulting in the co-mixing of individual PLD phases and forming spatially homogeneous condensates. Heterotypic PLD-mediated positive cooperativity in protein-protein interaction networks is likely to play key roles in the co-phase separation of mSWI/SNF complex with transcription factors containing homologous low-complexity domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richoo B Davis
- Department of Physics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Anushka Supakar
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | | | | | - Priya R Banerjee
- Department of Physics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA.
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4
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Gorsheneva NA, Sopova JV, Azarov VV, Grizel AV, Rubel AA. Biomolecular Condensates: Structure, Functions, Methods of Research. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:S205-S223. [PMID: 38621751 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924140116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The term "biomolecular condensates" is used to describe membraneless compartments in eukaryotic cells, accumulating proteins and nucleic acids. Biomolecular condensates are formed as a result of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Often, they demonstrate properties of liquid-like droplets or gel-like aggregates; however, some of them may appear to have a more complex structure and high-order organization. Membraneless microcompartments are involved in diverse processes both in cytoplasm and in nucleus, among them ribosome biogenesis, regulation of gene expression, cell signaling, and stress response. Condensates properties and structure could be highly dynamic and are affected by various internal and external factors, e.g., concentration and interactions of components, solution temperature, pH, osmolarity, etc. In this review, we discuss variety of biomolecular condensates and their functions in live cells, describe their structure variants, highlight domain and primary sequence organization of the constituent proteins and nucleic acids. Finally, we describe current advances in methods that characterize structure, properties, morphology, and dynamics of biomolecular condensates in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia V Sopova
- St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia.
| | | | - Anastasia V Grizel
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
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5
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Davis RB, Supakar A, Ranganath AK, Moosa MM, Banerjee PR. Heterotypic interactions in the dilute phase can drive co-condensation of prion-like low-complexity domains of FET proteins and mammalian SWI/SNF complex. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.12.536623. [PMID: 37090622 PMCID: PMC10120661 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.12.536623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Prion-like domains (PLDs) are low-complexity protein sequences enriched within nucleic acid-binding proteins including those involved in transcription and RNA processing. PLDs of FUS and EWSR1 play key roles in recruiting chromatin remodeler mammalian SWI/SNF complex to oncogenic FET fusion protein condensates. Here, we show that disordered low-complexity domains of multiple SWI/SNF subunits are prion-like with a strong propensity to undergo intracellular phase separation. These PLDs engage in sequence-specific heterotypic interactions with the PLD of FUS in the dilute phase at sub-saturation conditions, leading to the formation of PLD co-condensates. In the dense phase, homotypic and heterotypic PLD interactions are highly cooperative, resulting in the co-mixing of individual PLD phases and forming spatially homogeneous co-condensates. Heterotypic PLD-mediated positive cooperativity in protein-protein interaction networks is likely to play key roles in the co-phase separation of mSWI/SNF complex with transcription factors containing homologous low-complexity domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richoo B. Davis
- Department of Physics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo NY 14260, USA
| | - Anushka Supakar
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo NY 14260, USA
| | | | | | - Priya R. Banerjee
- Department of Physics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo NY 14260, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo NY 14260, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo NY 14260, USA
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6
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Mekonnen G, Djaja N, Yuan X, Myong S. Advanced imaging techniques for studying protein phase separation in living cells and at single-molecule level. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2023; 76:102371. [PMID: 37523989 PMCID: PMC10528199 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.102371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions are essential for cell function and survival. These interactions facilitate the formation of ribonucleoprotein complexes and biomolecular condensates via phase separation. Such assembly is involved in transcription, splicing, translation and stress response. When dysregulated, proteins and RNA can undergo irreversible aggregation which can be cytotoxic and pathogenic. Despite technical advances in investigating biomolecular condensates, achieving the necessary spatiotemporal resolution to deduce the parameters that govern their assembly and behavior has been challenging. Many laboratories have applied advanced microscopy methods for imaging condensates. For example, single molecule imaging methods have enabled the detection of RNA-protein interaction, protein-protein interaction, protein conformational dynamics, and diffusional motion of molecules that report on the intrinsic molecular interactions underlying liquid-liquid phase separation. This review will outline advances in both microscopy and spectroscopy techniques which allow single molecule detection and imaging, and how these techniques can be used to probe unique aspects of biomolecular condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemechu Mekonnen
- Program in Cellular Molecular Developmental Biology and Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Nathalie Djaja
- Program in Cellular Molecular Developmental Biology and Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Xincheng Yuan
- Program in Cellular Molecular Developmental Biology and Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Sua Myong
- Program in Cellular Molecular Developmental Biology and Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
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7
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Grimes B, Jacob W, Liberman AR, Kim N, Zhao X, Masison DC, Greene LE. The Properties and Domain Requirements for Phase Separation of the Sup35 Prion Protein In Vivo. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1370. [PMID: 37759770 PMCID: PMC10526957 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091370] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Sup35 prion protein of budding yeast has been reported to undergo phase separation to form liquid droplets both at low pH in vitro and when energy depletion decreases the intracellular pH in vivo. It also has been shown using purified proteins that this phase separation is driven by the prion domain of Sup35 and does not re-quire its C-terminal domain. In contrast, we now find that a Sup35 fragment consisting of only the N-terminal prion domain and the M-domain does not phase separate in vivo; this phase separation of Sup35 requires the C-terminal domain, which binds Sup45 to form the translation termination complex. The phase-separated Sup35 not only colocalizes with Sup45 but also with Pub1, a stress granule marker protein. In addition, like stress granules, phase separation of Sup35 appears to require mRNA since cycloheximide treatment, which inhibits mRNA release from ribosomes, prevents phase separation of Sup35. Finally, unlike Sup35 in vitro, Sup35 condensates do not disassemble in vivo when the intracellular pH is increased. These results suggest that, in energy-depleted cells, Sup35 forms supramolecular assemblies that differ from the Sup35 liquid droplets that form in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Grimes
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Walter Jacob
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Amanda R. Liberman
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nathan Kim
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Xiaohong Zhao
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Daniel C. Masison
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lois E. Greene
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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8
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Farag M, Borcherds WM, Bremer A, Mittag T, Pappu RV. Phase separation of protein mixtures is driven by the interplay of homotypic and heterotypic interactions. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5527. [PMID: 37684240 PMCID: PMC10491635 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41274-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Prion-like low-complexity domains (PLCDs) are involved in the formation and regulation of distinct biomolecular condensates that form via phase separation coupled to percolation. Intracellular condensates often encompass numerous distinct proteins with PLCDs. Here, we combine simulations and experiments to study mixtures of PLCDs from two RNA-binding proteins, hnRNPA1 and FUS. Using simulations and experiments, we find that 1:1 mixtures of A1-LCD and FUS-LCD undergo phase separation more readily than either of the PLCDs on their own due to complementary electrostatic interactions. Tie line analysis reveals that stoichiometric ratios of different components and their sequence-encoded interactions contribute jointly to the driving forces for condensate formation. Simulations also show that the spatial organization of PLCDs within condensates is governed by relative strengths of homotypic versus heterotypic interactions. We uncover rules for how interaction strengths and sequence lengths modulate conformational preferences of molecules at interfaces of condensates formed by mixtures of proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Farag
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Wade M Borcherds
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Anne Bremer
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Tanja Mittag
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
| | - Rohit V Pappu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
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9
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Zhouravleva GA, Bondarev SA, Trubitsina NP. How Big Is the Yeast Prion Universe? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11651. [PMID: 37511408 PMCID: PMC10380529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411651] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of yeast prions and prion-like proteins described since 1994 has grown from two to nearly twenty. If in the early years most scientists working with the classic mammalian prion, PrPSc, were skeptical about the possibility of using the term prion to refer to yeast cytoplasmic elements with unusual properties, it is now clear that prion-like phenomena are widespread and that yeast can serve as a convenient model for studying them. Here we give a brief overview of the yeast prions discovered so far and focus our attention to the various approaches used to identify them. The prospects for the discovery of new yeast prions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina A Zhouravleva
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Stanislav A Bondarev
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Nina P Trubitsina
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
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10
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Pappu R, Farag M, Borcherds W, Bremer A, Mittag T. Phase Separation in Mixtures of Prion-Like Low Complexity Domains is Driven by the Interplay of Homotypic and Heterotypic Interactions. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2870258. [PMID: 37205474 PMCID: PMC10187436 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2870258/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Prion-like low-complexity domains (PLCDs) are involved in the formation and regulation of distinct biomolecular condensates that form via coupled associative and segregative phase transitions. We previously deciphered how evolutionarily conserved sequence features drive phase separation of PLCDs through homotypic interactions. However, condensates typically encompass a diverse mixture of proteins with PLCDs. Here, we combine simulations and experiments to study mixtures of PLCDs from two RNA binding proteins namely, hnRNPA1 and FUS. We find that 1:1 mixtures of the A1-LCD and FUS-LCD undergo phase separation more readily than either of the PLCDs on their own. The enhanced driving forces for phase separation of mixtures of A1-LCD and FUS-LCD arise partly from complementary electrostatic interactions between the two proteins. This complex coacervation-like mechanism adds to complementary interactions among aromatic residues. Further, tie line analysis shows that stoichiometric ratios of different components and their sequence-encoded interactions jointly contribute to the driving forces for condensate formation. These results highlight how expression levels might be tuned to regulate the driving forces for condensate formation in vivo . Simulations also show that the organization of PLCDs within condensates deviates from expectations based on random mixture models. Instead, spatial organization within condensates will reflect the relative strengths of homotypic versus heterotypic interactions. We also uncover rules for how interaction strengths and sequence lengths modulate conformational preferences of molecules at interfaces of condensates formed by mixtures of proteins. Overall, our findings emphasize the network-like organization of molecules within multicomponent condensates, and the distinctive, composition-specific conformational features of condensate interfaces.
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11
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Farag M, Borcherds WM, Bremer A, Mittag T, Pappu RV. Phase Separation in Mixtures of Prion-Like Low Complexity Domains is Driven by the Interplay of Homotypic and Heterotypic Interactions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.15.532828. [PMID: 36993212 PMCID: PMC10055064 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.15.532828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Prion-like low-complexity domains (PLCDs) are involved in the formation and regulation of distinct biomolecular condensates that form via coupled associative and segregative phase transitions. We previously deciphered how evolutionarily conserved sequence features drive phase separation of PLCDs through homotypic interactions. However, condensates typically encompass a diverse mixture of proteins with PLCDs. Here, we combine simulations and experiments to study mixtures of PLCDs from two RNA binding proteins namely, hnRNPA1 and FUS. We find that 1:1 mixtures of the A1-LCD and FUS-LCD undergo phase separation more readily than either of the PLCDs on their own. The enhanced driving forces for phase separation of mixtures of A1-LCD and FUS-LCD arise partly from complementary electrostatic interactions between the two proteins. This complex coacervation-like mechanism adds to complementary interactions among aromatic residues. Further, tie line analysis shows that stoichiometric ratios of different components and their sequence-encoded interactions jointly contribute to the driving forces for condensate formation. These results highlight how expression levels might be tuned to regulate the driving forces for condensate formation in vivo . Simulations also show that the organization of PLCDs within condensates deviates from expectations based on random mixture models. Instead, spatial organization within condensates will reflect the relative strengths of homotypic versus heterotypic interactions. We also uncover rules for how interaction strengths and sequence lengths modulate conformational preferences of molecules at interfaces of condensates formed by mixtures of proteins. Overall, our findings emphasize the network-like organization of molecules within multicomponent condensates, and the distinctive, composition-specific conformational features of condensate interfaces. Significance Statement Biomolecular condensates are mixtures of different protein and nucleic acid molecules that organize biochemical reactions in cells. Much of what we know about how condensates form comes from studies of phase transitions of individual components of condensates. Here, we report results from studies of phase transitions of mixtures of archetypal protein domains that feature in distinct condensates. Our investigations, aided by a blend of computations and experiments, show that the phase transitions of mixtures are governed by a complex interplay of homotypic and heterotypic interactions. The results point to how expression levels of different protein components can be tuned in cells to modulate internal structures, compositions, and interfaces of condensates, thus affording distinct ways to control the functions of condensates.
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12
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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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13
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Wittmer Y, Jami KM, Stowell RK, Le T, Hung I, Murray DT. Liquid Droplet Aging and Seeded Fibril Formation of the Cytotoxic Granule Associated RNA Binding Protein TIA1 Low Complexity Domain. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:1580-1592. [PMID: 36638831 PMCID: PMC9881004 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c08596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Protein domains biased toward a few amino acid types are vital for the formation of biomolecular condensates in living cells. These membraneless compartments are formed by molecules exhibiting a range of molecular motions and structural order. Missense mutations increase condensate persistence lifetimes or structural order, properties that are thought to underlie pathological protein aggregation. In the context of stress granules associated with neurodegenerative diseases, this process involves the rigidification of protein liquid droplets into β-strand rich protein fibrils. Here, we characterize the molecular mechanism underlying the rigidification of liquid droplets for the low complexity domain of the Cytotoxic granule associated RNA binding protein TIA1 (TIA1) stress granule protein and the influence of a disease mutation linked to neurodegenerative diseases. A seeding procedure and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance measurements show that the low complexity domain converges on a β-strand rich fibril conformation composed of 21% of the sequence. Additional solid state nuclear magnetic resonance measurements and difference spectroscopy show that aged liquid droplets of wild type and a proline-to-leucine mutant low complexity domain are composed of fibril assemblies that are conformationally heterogeneous and structurally distinct from the seeded fibril preparation. Regarding low complexity domains, our data support the functional template-driven formation of conformationally homogeneous structures, that rigidification of liquid droplets into conformationally heterogenous structures promotes pathological interactions, and that the effect of disease mutations is more nuanced than increasing thermodynamic stability or increasing β-strand structure content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuuki Wittmer
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Khaled M. Jami
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Rachelle K. Stowell
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Truc Le
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Ivan Hung
- National
High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, United States
| | - Dylan T. Murray
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616, United States,
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14
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Gordon-Kim C, Rha A, Poppitz GA, Smith-Carpenter J, Luu R, Roberson AB, Conklin R, Blake A, Lynn DG. Polyanion order controls liquid-to-solid phase transition in peptide/nucleic acid co-assembly. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:991728. [PMID: 36452451 PMCID: PMC9702359 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.991728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The Central Dogma highlights the mutualistic functions of protein and nucleic acid biopolymers, and this synergy appears prominently in the membraneless organelles widely distributed throughout prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms alike. Ribonucleoprotein granules (RNPs), which are complex coacervates of RNA with proteins, are a prime example of these membranelles organelles and underly multiple essential cellular functions. Inspired by the highly dynamic character of these organelles and the recent studies that ATP both inhibits and templates phase separation of the fused in sarcoma (FUS) protein implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases, we explored the RNA templated ordering of a single motif of the Aβ peptide of Alzheimer's disease. We now know that this strong cross-β propensity motif alone assembles through a liquid-like coacervate phase that can be externally templated to form distinct supramolecular assemblies. Now we provide evidence that structured phosphates, ranging from complex structures like double stranded and quadraplex DNA to simple trimetaphosphate, differentially impact the liquid to solid phase transition necessary for paracrystalline assembly. The results from this simple model illustrate the potential of ordered environmental templates in the transition to potentially irreversible pathogenic assemblies and provides insight into the ordering dynamics necessary for creating functional synthetic polymer co-assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Allisandra Rha
- Children’s Health of Orange County, Research Institute, Orange, CA, United States
| | - George A. Poppitz
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Regina Luu
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Russell Conklin
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Alexis Blake
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - David G. Lynn
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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15
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Vazquez DS, Toledo PL, Gianotti AR, Ermácora MR. Protein conformation and biomolecular condensates. Curr Res Struct Biol 2022; 4:285-307. [PMID: 36164646 PMCID: PMC9508354 DOI: 10.1016/j.crstbi.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein conformation and cell compartmentalization are fundamental concepts and subjects of vast scientific endeavors. In the last two decades, we have witnessed exciting advances that unveiled the conjunction of these concepts. An avalanche of studies highlighted the central role of biomolecular condensates in membraneless subcellular compartmentalization that permits the spatiotemporal organization and regulation of myriads of simultaneous biochemical reactions and macromolecular interactions. These studies have also shown that biomolecular condensation, driven by multivalent intermolecular interactions, is mediated by order-disorder transitions of protein conformation and by protein domain architecture. Conceptually, protein condensation is a distinct level in protein conformational landscape in which collective folding of large collections of molecules takes place. Biomolecular condensates arise by the physical process of phase separation and comprise a variety of bodies ranging from membraneless organelles to liquid condensates to solid-like conglomerates, spanning lengths from mesoscopic clusters (nanometers) to micrometer-sized objects. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent work on the assembly, composition, conformation, material properties, thermodynamics, regulation, and functions of these bodies. We also review the conceptual framework for future studies on the conformational dynamics of condensed proteins in the regulation of cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego S. Vazquez
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes and Grupo de Biología Estructural y Biotecnología, IMBICE, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Argentina
| | - Pamela L. Toledo
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes and Grupo de Biología Estructural y Biotecnología, IMBICE, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Argentina
| | - Alejo R. Gianotti
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes and Grupo de Biología Estructural y Biotecnología, IMBICE, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Argentina
| | - Mario R. Ermácora
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes and Grupo de Biología Estructural y Biotecnología, IMBICE, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Argentina
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16
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Jackson NA, Guerrero-Muñoz MJ, Castillo-Carranza DL. The prion-like transmission of tau oligomers via exosomes. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:974414. [PMID: 36062141 PMCID: PMC9434014 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.974414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The conversion and transmission of misfolded proteins established the basis for the prion concept. Neurodegenerative diseases are considered “prion-like” disorders that lack infectivity. Among them, tauopathies are characterized by the conversion of native tau protein into an abnormally folded aggregate. During the progression of the disease, misfolded tau polymerizes into oligomers and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). While the toxicity of NFTs is an ongoing debate, the contribution of tau oligomers to early onset neurodegenerative pathogenesis is accepted. Tau oligomers are readily transferred from neuron to neuron propagating through the brain inducing neurodegeneration. Recently, transmission of tau oligomers via exosomes is now proposed. There is still too much to uncover about tau misfolding and propagation. Here we summarize novel findings of tau oligomers transmission and propagation via exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noel A. Jackson
- School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Diana L. Castillo-Carranza
- School of Medicine, University of Monterrey, San Pedro Garza García, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Diana L. Castillo-Carranza,
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17
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Cascarina SM, Ross ED. Phase separation by the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein: Consensus and open questions. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101677. [PMID: 35131265 PMCID: PMC8813722 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In response to the recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, a number of labs across the world have reallocated their time and resources to better our understanding of the virus. For some viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, viral proteins can undergo phase separation: a biophysical process often related to the partitioning of protein and RNA into membraneless organelles in vivo. In this review, we discuss emerging observations of phase separation by the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein-an essential viral protein required for viral replication-and the possible in vivo functions that have been proposed for N-protein phase separation, including viral replication, viral genomic RNA packaging, and modulation of host-cell response to infection. Additionally, since a relatively large number of studies examining SARS-CoV-2 N-protein phase separation have been published in a short span of time, we take advantage of this situation to compare results from similar experiments across studies. Our evaluation highlights potential strengths and pitfalls of drawing conclusions from a single set of experiments, as well as the value of publishing overlapping scientific observations performed simultaneously by multiple labs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Cascarina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Eric D Ross
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
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18
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Bremer A, Farag M, Borcherds WM, Peran I, Martin EW, Pappu RV, Mittag T. Deciphering how naturally occurring sequence features impact the phase behaviours of disordered prion-like domains. Nat Chem 2022; 14:196-207. [PMID: 34931046 PMCID: PMC8818026 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-021-00840-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Prion-like low-complexity domains (PLCDs) have distinctive sequence grammars that determine their driving forces for phase separation. Here we uncover the physicochemical underpinnings of how evolutionarily conserved compositional biases influence the phase behaviour of PLCDs. We interpret our results in the context of the stickers-and-spacers model for the phase separation of associative polymers. We find that tyrosine is a stronger sticker than phenylalanine, whereas arginine is a context-dependent auxiliary sticker. In contrast, lysine weakens sticker-sticker interactions. Increasing the net charge per residue destabilizes phase separation while also weakening the strong coupling between single-chain contraction in dilute phases and multichain interactions that give rise to phase separation. Finally, glycine and serine residues act as non-equivalent spacers, and thus make the glycine versus serine contents an important determinant of the driving forces for phase separation. The totality of our results leads to a set of rules that enable comparative estimates of composition-specific driving forces for PLCD phase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Bremer
- Department of Structural Biology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Mina Farag
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Science & Engineering of Living Systems (CSELS), Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Wade M Borcherds
- Department of Structural Biology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ivan Peran
- Department of Structural Biology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Erik W Martin
- Department of Structural Biology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Rohit V Pappu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Science & Engineering of Living Systems (CSELS), Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Tanja Mittag
- Department of Structural Biology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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19
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Bremer A, Farag M, Borcherds WM, Peran I, Martin EW, Pappu RV, Mittag T. Deciphering how naturally occurring sequence features impact the phase behaviours of disordered prion-like domains. Nat Chem 2022; 14:196-207. [PMID: 34931046 DOI: 10.1101/2021.01.01.425046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Prion-like low-complexity domains (PLCDs) have distinctive sequence grammars that determine their driving forces for phase separation. Here we uncover the physicochemical underpinnings of how evolutionarily conserved compositional biases influence the phase behaviour of PLCDs. We interpret our results in the context of the stickers-and-spacers model for the phase separation of associative polymers. We find that tyrosine is a stronger sticker than phenylalanine, whereas arginine is a context-dependent auxiliary sticker. In contrast, lysine weakens sticker-sticker interactions. Increasing the net charge per residue destabilizes phase separation while also weakening the strong coupling between single-chain contraction in dilute phases and multichain interactions that give rise to phase separation. Finally, glycine and serine residues act as non-equivalent spacers, and thus make the glycine versus serine contents an important determinant of the driving forces for phase separation. The totality of our results leads to a set of rules that enable comparative estimates of composition-specific driving forces for PLCD phase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Bremer
- Department of Structural Biology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Mina Farag
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Science & Engineering of Living Systems (CSELS), Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Wade M Borcherds
- Department of Structural Biology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ivan Peran
- Department of Structural Biology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Erik W Martin
- Department of Structural Biology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Rohit V Pappu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Science & Engineering of Living Systems (CSELS), Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Tanja Mittag
- Department of Structural Biology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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20
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Regulation of spatially restricted gene expression: linking RNA localization and phase separation. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2591-2600. [PMID: 34821361 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210320] [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: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Subcellular restriction of gene expression is crucial to the functioning of a wide variety of cell types. The cellular machinery driving spatially restricted gene expression has been studied for many years, but recent advances have highlighted novel mechanisms by which cells can generate subcellular microenvironments with specialized gene expression profiles. Particularly intriguing are recent findings that phase separation plays a role in certain RNA localization pathways. The burgeoning field of phase separation has revolutionized how we view cellular compartmentalization, revealing that, in addition to membrane-bound organelles, phase-separated cytoplasmic microenvironments - termed biomolecular condensates - are compositionally and functionally distinct from the surrounding cytoplasm, without the need for a lipid membrane. The coupling of phase separation and RNA localization allows for precise subcellular targeting, robust translational repression and dynamic recruitment of accessory proteins. Despite the growing interest in the intersection between RNA localization and phase separation, it remains to be seen how exactly components of the localization machinery, particularly motor proteins, are able to associate with these biomolecular condensates. Further studies of the formation, function, and transport of biomolecular condensates promise to provide a new mechanistic understanding of how cells restrict gene expression at a subcellular level.
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21
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Hackman P, Rusanen SM, Johari M, Vihola A, Jonson PH, Sarparanta J, Donner K, Lahermo P, Koivunen S, Luque H, Soininen M, Mahjneh I, Auranen M, Arumilli M, Savarese M, Udd B. Dominant Distal Myopathy 3 (MPD3) Caused by a Deletion in the HNRNPA1 Gene. NEUROLOGY-GENETICS 2021; 7:e632. [PMID: 34722876 PMCID: PMC8552285 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives To determine the genetic cause of the disease in the previously reported family with adult-onset autosomal dominant distal myopathy (myopathy, distal, 3; MPD3). Methods Continued clinical evaluation including muscle MRI and muscle pathology. A linkage analysis with single nucleotide polymorphism arrays and genome sequencing were used to identify the genetic defect, which was verified by Sanger sequencing. RNA sequencing was used to investigate the transcriptional effects of the identified genetic defect. Results Small hand muscles (intrinsic, thenar, and hypothenar) were first involved with spread to the lower legs and later proximal muscles. Dystrophic changes with rimmed vacuoles and cytoplasmic inclusions were observed in muscle biopsies at advanced stage. A single nucleotide polymorphism array confirmed the previous microsatellite-based linkage to 8p22-q11 and 12q13-q22. Genome sequencing of three affected family members combined with structural variant calling revealed a small heterozygous deletion of 160 base pairs spanning the second last exon 10 of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (HNRNPA1) gene, which is in the linked region on chromosome 12. Segregation of the mutation with the disease was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. RNA sequencing showed that the mutant allele produces a shorter mutant mRNA transcript compared with the wild-type allele. Immunofluorescence studies on muscle biopsies revealed small p62 and larger TDP-43 inclusions. Discussion A small exon 10 deletion in the gene HNRNPA1 was identified as the cause of MPD3 in this family. The new HNRNPA1-related phenotype, upper limb presenting distal myopathy, was thus confirmed, and the family displays the complexities of gene identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hackman
- Folkhälsan Research Center (P.H., S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S., B.U.); University of Helsinki (S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S.), Helsinki; Finnish Neuromuscular Center, Fimlab Laboratories and Tampere University (A.V.); Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki (K.D., P.L.); MRC, University of Oulu, Oulu (I.M.); Pietarsaari Hospital, Pietarsaari, Finland (I.M.); Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital (M.A.); Vaasa Central Hospital (B.U.), Vaasa, Finland
| | - Salla M Rusanen
- Folkhälsan Research Center (P.H., S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S., B.U.); University of Helsinki (S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S.), Helsinki; Finnish Neuromuscular Center, Fimlab Laboratories and Tampere University (A.V.); Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki (K.D., P.L.); MRC, University of Oulu, Oulu (I.M.); Pietarsaari Hospital, Pietarsaari, Finland (I.M.); Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital (M.A.); Vaasa Central Hospital (B.U.), Vaasa, Finland
| | - Mridul Johari
- Folkhälsan Research Center (P.H., S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S., B.U.); University of Helsinki (S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S.), Helsinki; Finnish Neuromuscular Center, Fimlab Laboratories and Tampere University (A.V.); Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki (K.D., P.L.); MRC, University of Oulu, Oulu (I.M.); Pietarsaari Hospital, Pietarsaari, Finland (I.M.); Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital (M.A.); Vaasa Central Hospital (B.U.), Vaasa, Finland
| | - Anna Vihola
- Folkhälsan Research Center (P.H., S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S., B.U.); University of Helsinki (S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S.), Helsinki; Finnish Neuromuscular Center, Fimlab Laboratories and Tampere University (A.V.); Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki (K.D., P.L.); MRC, University of Oulu, Oulu (I.M.); Pietarsaari Hospital, Pietarsaari, Finland (I.M.); Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital (M.A.); Vaasa Central Hospital (B.U.), Vaasa, Finland
| | - Per Harald Jonson
- Folkhälsan Research Center (P.H., S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S., B.U.); University of Helsinki (S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S.), Helsinki; Finnish Neuromuscular Center, Fimlab Laboratories and Tampere University (A.V.); Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki (K.D., P.L.); MRC, University of Oulu, Oulu (I.M.); Pietarsaari Hospital, Pietarsaari, Finland (I.M.); Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital (M.A.); Vaasa Central Hospital (B.U.), Vaasa, Finland
| | - Jaakko Sarparanta
- Folkhälsan Research Center (P.H., S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S., B.U.); University of Helsinki (S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S.), Helsinki; Finnish Neuromuscular Center, Fimlab Laboratories and Tampere University (A.V.); Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki (K.D., P.L.); MRC, University of Oulu, Oulu (I.M.); Pietarsaari Hospital, Pietarsaari, Finland (I.M.); Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital (M.A.); Vaasa Central Hospital (B.U.), Vaasa, Finland
| | - Kati Donner
- Folkhälsan Research Center (P.H., S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S., B.U.); University of Helsinki (S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S.), Helsinki; Finnish Neuromuscular Center, Fimlab Laboratories and Tampere University (A.V.); Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki (K.D., P.L.); MRC, University of Oulu, Oulu (I.M.); Pietarsaari Hospital, Pietarsaari, Finland (I.M.); Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital (M.A.); Vaasa Central Hospital (B.U.), Vaasa, Finland
| | - Päivi Lahermo
- Folkhälsan Research Center (P.H., S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S., B.U.); University of Helsinki (S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S.), Helsinki; Finnish Neuromuscular Center, Fimlab Laboratories and Tampere University (A.V.); Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki (K.D., P.L.); MRC, University of Oulu, Oulu (I.M.); Pietarsaari Hospital, Pietarsaari, Finland (I.M.); Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital (M.A.); Vaasa Central Hospital (B.U.), Vaasa, Finland
| | - Sampo Koivunen
- Folkhälsan Research Center (P.H., S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S., B.U.); University of Helsinki (S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S.), Helsinki; Finnish Neuromuscular Center, Fimlab Laboratories and Tampere University (A.V.); Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki (K.D., P.L.); MRC, University of Oulu, Oulu (I.M.); Pietarsaari Hospital, Pietarsaari, Finland (I.M.); Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital (M.A.); Vaasa Central Hospital (B.U.), Vaasa, Finland
| | - Helena Luque
- Folkhälsan Research Center (P.H., S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S., B.U.); University of Helsinki (S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S.), Helsinki; Finnish Neuromuscular Center, Fimlab Laboratories and Tampere University (A.V.); Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki (K.D., P.L.); MRC, University of Oulu, Oulu (I.M.); Pietarsaari Hospital, Pietarsaari, Finland (I.M.); Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital (M.A.); Vaasa Central Hospital (B.U.), Vaasa, Finland
| | - Merja Soininen
- Folkhälsan Research Center (P.H., S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S., B.U.); University of Helsinki (S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S.), Helsinki; Finnish Neuromuscular Center, Fimlab Laboratories and Tampere University (A.V.); Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki (K.D., P.L.); MRC, University of Oulu, Oulu (I.M.); Pietarsaari Hospital, Pietarsaari, Finland (I.M.); Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital (M.A.); Vaasa Central Hospital (B.U.), Vaasa, Finland
| | - Ibrahim Mahjneh
- Folkhälsan Research Center (P.H., S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S., B.U.); University of Helsinki (S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S.), Helsinki; Finnish Neuromuscular Center, Fimlab Laboratories and Tampere University (A.V.); Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki (K.D., P.L.); MRC, University of Oulu, Oulu (I.M.); Pietarsaari Hospital, Pietarsaari, Finland (I.M.); Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital (M.A.); Vaasa Central Hospital (B.U.), Vaasa, Finland
| | - Mari Auranen
- Folkhälsan Research Center (P.H., S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S., B.U.); University of Helsinki (S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S.), Helsinki; Finnish Neuromuscular Center, Fimlab Laboratories and Tampere University (A.V.); Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki (K.D., P.L.); MRC, University of Oulu, Oulu (I.M.); Pietarsaari Hospital, Pietarsaari, Finland (I.M.); Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital (M.A.); Vaasa Central Hospital (B.U.), Vaasa, Finland
| | - Meharji Arumilli
- Folkhälsan Research Center (P.H., S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S., B.U.); University of Helsinki (S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S.), Helsinki; Finnish Neuromuscular Center, Fimlab Laboratories and Tampere University (A.V.); Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki (K.D., P.L.); MRC, University of Oulu, Oulu (I.M.); Pietarsaari Hospital, Pietarsaari, Finland (I.M.); Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital (M.A.); Vaasa Central Hospital (B.U.), Vaasa, Finland
| | - Marco Savarese
- Folkhälsan Research Center (P.H., S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S., B.U.); University of Helsinki (S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S.), Helsinki; Finnish Neuromuscular Center, Fimlab Laboratories and Tampere University (A.V.); Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki (K.D., P.L.); MRC, University of Oulu, Oulu (I.M.); Pietarsaari Hospital, Pietarsaari, Finland (I.M.); Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital (M.A.); Vaasa Central Hospital (B.U.), Vaasa, Finland
| | - Bjarne Udd
- Folkhälsan Research Center (P.H., S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S., B.U.); University of Helsinki (S.M.R., M.J., A.V., P.H.J., J.S., S.K., H.L., M.S., M.A., M.S.), Helsinki; Finnish Neuromuscular Center, Fimlab Laboratories and Tampere University (A.V.); Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki (K.D., P.L.); MRC, University of Oulu, Oulu (I.M.); Pietarsaari Hospital, Pietarsaari, Finland (I.M.); Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital (M.A.); Vaasa Central Hospital (B.U.), Vaasa, Finland
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22
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Gutierrez‐Beltran E, Elander PH, Dalman K, Dayhoff GW, Moschou PN, Uversky VN, Crespo JL, Bozhkov PV. Tudor staphylococcal nuclease is a docking platform for stress granule components and is essential for SnRK1 activation in Arabidopsis. EMBO J 2021; 40:e105043. [PMID: 34287990 PMCID: PMC8447601 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020105043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tudor staphylococcal nuclease (TSN; also known as Tudor-SN, p100, or SND1) is a multifunctional, evolutionarily conserved regulator of gene expression, exhibiting cytoprotective activity in animals and plants and oncogenic activity in mammals. During stress, TSN stably associates with stress granules (SGs), in a poorly understood process. Here, we show that in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, TSN is an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) acting as a scaffold for a large pool of other IDPs, enriched for conserved stress granule components as well as novel or plant-specific SG-localized proteins. While approximately 30% of TSN interactors are recruited to stress granules de novo upon stress perception, 70% form a protein-protein interaction network present before the onset of stress. Finally, we demonstrate that TSN and stress granule formation promote heat-induced activation of the evolutionarily conserved energy-sensing SNF1-related protein kinase 1 (SnRK1), the plant orthologue of mammalian AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Our results establish TSN as a docking platform for stress granule proteins, with an important role in stress signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Gutierrez‐Beltran
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y FotosíntesisConsejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)‐Universidad de SevillaSevillaSpain
- Departamento de Bioquímica Vegetal y Biología MolecularFacultad de BiologíaUniversidad de SevillaSevillaSpain
| | - Pernilla H Elander
- Department of Molecular SciencesUppsala BioCenterSwedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant BiologyUppsalaSweden
| | - Kerstin Dalman
- Department of Molecular SciencesUppsala BioCenterSwedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant BiologyUppsalaSweden
| | - Guy W Dayhoff
- Department of ChemistryCollege of Art and SciencesUniversity of South FloridaTampaFLUSA
| | - Panagiotis N Moschou
- Institute of Molecular Biology and BiotechnologyFoundation for Research and Technology ‐ HellasHeraklionGreece
- Department of Plant BiologyUppsala BioCenterSwedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant BiologyUppsalaSweden
- Department of BiologyUniversity of CreteHeraklionGreece
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of MedicineUniversity of South FloridaTampaFLUSA
- Institute for Biological Instrumentation of the Russian Academy of SciencesFederal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”PushchinoRussia
| | - Jose L Crespo
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y FotosíntesisConsejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)‐Universidad de SevillaSevillaSpain
| | - Peter V Bozhkov
- Department of Molecular SciencesUppsala BioCenterSwedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnean Center for Plant BiologyUppsalaSweden
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23
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Reversible protein aggregation as cytoprotective mechanism against heat stress. Curr Genet 2021; 67:849-855. [PMID: 34091720 PMCID: PMC8592950 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-021-01191-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Temperature fluctuation is one of the most frequent threats to which organisms are exposed in nature. The activation of gene expression programs that trigger the transcription of heat stress-protective genes is the main cellular response to resist high temperatures. In addition, reversible accumulation and compartmentalization of thermosensitive proteins in high-order molecular assemblies are emerging as critical mechanisms to ensure cellular protection upon heat stress. Here, we summarize representative examples of membrane-less intracellular bodies formed upon heat stress in yeasts and human cells and highlight how protein aggregation can be turned into a cytoprotective mechanism.
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24
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Candelise N, Scaricamazza S, Salvatori I, Ferri A, Valle C, Manganelli V, Garofalo T, Sorice M, Misasi R. Protein Aggregation Landscape in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Clinical Relevance and Future Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116016. [PMID: 34199513 PMCID: PMC8199687 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrinsic disorder is a natural feature of polypeptide chains, resulting in the lack of a defined three-dimensional structure. Conformational changes in intrinsically disordered regions of a protein lead to unstable β-sheet enriched intermediates, which are stabilized by intermolecular interactions with other β-sheet enriched molecules, producing stable proteinaceous aggregates. Upon misfolding, several pathways may be undertaken depending on the composition of the amino acidic string and the surrounding environment, leading to different structures. Accumulating evidence is suggesting that the conformational state of a protein may initiate signalling pathways involved both in pathology and physiology. In this review, we will summarize the heterogeneity of structures that are produced from intrinsically disordered protein domains and highlight the routes that lead to the formation of physiological liquid droplets as well as pathogenic aggregates. The most common proteins found in aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases and their structural variability will be addressed. We will further evaluate the clinical relevance and future applications of the study of the structural heterogeneity of protein aggregates, which may aid the understanding of the phenotypic diversity observed in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Candelise
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, c/o CERC, 00143 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (I.S.); (A.F.); (C.V.)
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-338-891-2668
| | - Silvia Scaricamazza
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, c/o CERC, 00143 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (I.S.); (A.F.); (C.V.)
| | - Illari Salvatori
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, c/o CERC, 00143 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (I.S.); (A.F.); (C.V.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (T.G.); (M.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Alberto Ferri
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, c/o CERC, 00143 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (I.S.); (A.F.); (C.V.)
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiana Valle
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, c/o CERC, 00143 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (I.S.); (A.F.); (C.V.)
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Manganelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (T.G.); (M.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Tina Garofalo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (T.G.); (M.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Maurizio Sorice
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (T.G.); (M.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Roberta Misasi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (V.M.); (T.G.); (M.S.); (R.M.)
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