1
|
Xia R, Peng HF, Zhang X, Zhang HS. Comprehensive review of amino acid transporters as therapeutic targets. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 260:129646. [PMID: 38272411 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129646] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The solute carrier (SLC) family, with more than 400 membrane-bound proteins, facilitates the transport of a wide array of substrates such as nutrients, ions, metabolites, and drugs across biological membranes. Amino acid transporters (AATs) are membrane transport proteins that mediate transfer of amino acids into and out of cells or cellular organelles. AATs participate in many important physiological functions including nutrient supply, metabolic transformation, energy homeostasis, redox regulation, and neurological regulation. Several AATs have been found to significantly impact the progression of human malignancies, and dysregulation of AATs results in metabolic reprogramming affecting tumor growth and progression. However, current clinical therapies that directly target AATs have not been developed. The purpose of this review is to highlight the structural and functional diversity of AATs, the molecular mechanisms in human diseases such as tumors, kidney diseases, and emerging therapeutic strategies for targeting AATs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ran Xia
- College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100(#), District of Chaoyang, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Hai-Feng Peng
- College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100(#), District of Chaoyang, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100(#), District of Chaoyang, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Hong-Sheng Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Pingleyuan 100(#), District of Chaoyang, Beijing 100124, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dong M, Li P, Luo J, Chen B, Jiang H. Oligopeptide/Histidine Transporter PHT1 and PHT2 - Function, Regulation, and Pathophysiological Implications Specifically in Immunoregulation. Pharm Res 2023; 40:2585-2596. [PMID: 37610621 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-023-03589-8] [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: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
The oligopeptide/histidine transporters PHT1 and PHT2, two mammalian solute carrier family 15A proteins, mediate the transmembrane transport of histidine and some di/tripeptides via proton gradient. PHT1 and PHT2 are distributed in a variety of tissues but are preferentially expressed in immune cells and localize to the lysosome-related organelles. Studies have reported the relationships between PHT1/PHT2 and immune diseases. PHT1 and PHT2 participate in the regulation of lysosomal homeostasis and lysosome-associated signaling pathways through their transport and nontransport functions, playing important roles in inflammatory diseases. In this review, we summarize recent research on PHT1 and PHT2, aiming to provide reference for their further biological research and as targets for drug design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minlei Dong
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Luo
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Binxin Chen
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huidi Jiang
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Scanga R, Scalise M, Marino N, Parisi F, Barca D, Galluccio M, Brunocilla C, Console L, Indiveri C. LAT1 (SLC7A5) catalyzes copper(histidinate) transport switching from antiport to uniport mechanism. iScience 2023; 26:107738. [PMID: 37692288 PMCID: PMC10492218 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107738] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
LAT1 (SLC7A5) is one of the most studied membrane transporters due to its relevance to physiology in supplying essential amino acids to brain and fetus, and to pathology being linked to nervous or embryo alterations; moreover, LAT1 over-expression is always associated with cancer development. Thus, LAT1 is exploited as a pro-drug vehicle and as a target for anti-cancer therapy. We here report the identification of a new substrate with pathophysiological implications, i.e., Cu-histidinate, and an unconventional uniport mechanism exploited for the Cu-histidinate transport. Crystals of the monomeric species Cu(His)2 were obtained in our experimental conditions and the actual transport of the complex was evaluated by a combined strategy of bioinformatics, site-directed mutagenesis, radiolabeled transport, and mass spectrometry analysis. The LAT1-mediated transport of Cu(His)2 may have profound implications for both the treatment of copper dysmetabolism diseases, such as the rare Menkes disease, and of cancer as an alternative to platinum-based therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Scanga
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Nadia Marino
- MAT-INLAB (Laboratorio di Materiali Molecolari Inorganici), Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies (CTC), University of Calabria—UNICAL, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Francesco Parisi
- MAT-INLAB (Laboratorio di Materiali Molecolari Inorganici), Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies (CTC), University of Calabria—UNICAL, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Donatella Barca
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra), 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Michele Galluccio
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Chiara Brunocilla
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Lara Console
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
- CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), 70126 Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hirschi S, Ward TR, Meier WP, Müller DJ, Fotiadis D. Synthetic Biology: Bottom-Up Assembly of Molecular Systems. Chem Rev 2022; 122:16294-16328. [PMID: 36179355 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The bottom-up assembly of biological and chemical components opens exciting opportunities to engineer artificial vesicular systems for applications with previously unmet requirements. The modular combination of scaffolds and functional building blocks enables the engineering of complex systems with biomimetic or new-to-nature functionalities. Inspired by the compartmentalized organization of cells and organelles, lipid or polymer vesicles are widely used as model membrane systems to investigate the translocation of solutes and the transduction of signals by membrane proteins. The bottom-up assembly and functionalization of such artificial compartments enables full control over their composition and can thus provide specifically optimized environments for synthetic biological processes. This review aims to inspire future endeavors by providing a diverse toolbox of molecular modules, engineering methodologies, and different approaches to assemble artificial vesicular systems. Important technical and practical aspects are addressed and selected applications are presented, highlighting particular achievements and limitations of the bottom-up approach. Complementing the cutting-edge technological achievements, fundamental aspects are also discussed to cater to the inherently diverse background of the target audience, which results from the interdisciplinary nature of synthetic biology. The engineering of proteins as functional modules and the use of lipids and block copolymers as scaffold modules for the assembly of functionalized vesicular systems are explored in detail. Particular emphasis is placed on ensuring the controlled assembly of these components into increasingly complex vesicular systems. Finally, all descriptions are presented in the greater context of engineering valuable synthetic biological systems for applications in biocatalysis, biosensing, bioremediation, or targeted drug delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Hirschi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas R Ward
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Ring 19, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang P Meier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Ring 19, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel J Müller
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dimitrios Fotiadis
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.,Molecular Systems Engineering, National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR), 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Heterologous (Over) Expression of Human SoLute Carrier (SLC) in Yeast: A Well-Recognized Tool for Human Transporter Function/Structure Studies. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12081206. [PMID: 36013385 PMCID: PMC9410066 DOI: 10.3390/life12081206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
For more than 20 years, yeast has been a widely used system for the expression of human membrane transporters. Among them, more than 400 are members of the largest transporter family, the SLC superfamily. SLCs play critical roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis by transporting nutrients, ions, and waste products. Based on their involvement in drug absorption and in several human diseases, they are considered emerging therapeutic targets. Despite their critical role in human health, a large part of SLCs' is 'orphans' for substrate specificity or function. Moreover, very few data are available concerning their 3D structure. On the basis of the human health benefits of filling these knowledge gaps, an understanding of protein expression in systems that allow functional production of these proteins is essential. Among the 500 known yeast species, S. cerevisiae and P. pastoris represent those most employed for this purpose. This review aims to provide a comprehensive state-of-the-art on the attempts of human SLC expression performed by exploiting yeast. The collected data will hopefully be useful for guiding new attempts in SLCs expression with the aim to reveal new fundamental data that could lead to potential effects on human health.
Collapse
|
6
|
Incampo G, Giangregorio N, Gambacorta N, Nicolotti O, Pacifico C, Palmieri L, Tonazzi A. Praseodymium trivalent ion is an effective inhibitor of mitochondrial basic amino acids and carnitine/acylcarnitine carriers. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOENERGETICS 2022; 1863:148557. [PMID: 35367451 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2022.148557] [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: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We herein report the identification of the lantanide praseodymium trivalent ion Pr3+ as inhibitor of mitochondrial transporters for basic amino acids and phylogenetically related carriers belonging to the Slc25 family. The inhibitory effect of Pr3+ has been tested using mitochondrial transporters reconstituted into liposomes being effective in the micromolar range, acting as a competitive inhibitor of the human basic amino acids carrier (BAC, Slc25A29), the human carnitine/acylcarnitine carrier (CAC, Slc25A20). Furthermore, we provide computational evidence that the complete inhibition of the transport activity of the recombinant proteins is due to the Pr3+ coordination to key acidic residues of the matrix salt bridge network. Besides being used as a first choice stop inhibitor for functional studies in vitro of mitochondrial carriers reconstituted in proteoliposomes, Pr3+ might also represent a useful tool for structural studies of the mitochondrial carrier family.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Incampo
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Giangregorio
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), Via Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Gambacorta
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Orazio Nicolotti
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Concetta Pacifico
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Palmieri
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), Via Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Annamaria Tonazzi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), Via Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Galluccio M, Mazza T, Scalise M, Sarubbi MC, Indiveri C. Bacterial over-expression of functionally active human CT2 (SLC22A16) carnitine transporter. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:8185-8193. [PMID: 35608746 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07491-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Escherichia coli is a widely used tool for the over-expression of human proteins for studying structure and function. The toxicity of human proteins for E. coli often hampers the expression. This study aims to find conditions for the expression of a membrane transporter known as the carnitine transporter CT2. The knowledge on this transporter is scarce, thus obtaining the recombinant protein is very important for further studies. METHODS AND RESULTS The cDNAs coding for human CT2 (hCT2) was cloned in the pH6EX3 vector and different transformed E. coli strains were cultured in absence or in presence of glucose. hCT2 expression was obtained. The protein was purified and reconstituted into proteoliposomes in a functionally active state. CONCLUSIONS Using the appropriate IPTG concentration, together with the addition of glucose, hCT2 has been expressed in E. coli. The protein is active and shows capacity to transport carnitine in proteoliposomes. The results have a great interest in basic biochemistry of membrane transporters and applications to human health since hCT2 is involved in human pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Galluccio
- Department DiBEST Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci cubo 4C, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Tiziano Mazza
- Department DiBEST Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci cubo 4C, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Department DiBEST Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci cubo 4C, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Sarubbi
- Department DiBEST Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci cubo 4C, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Department DiBEST Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci cubo 4C, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy. .,CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnology IBIOM, via Amendola 122/O, 70126, Bari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Scanga R, Scalise M, Rovella F, Regina TMR, Galluccio M, Indiveri C. The Nutraceutical Alliin From Garlic Is a Novel Substrate of the Essential Amino Acid Transporter LAT1 (SLC7A5). Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:877576. [PMID: 35401172 PMCID: PMC8987110 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.877576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The plasma membrane transporter LAT1 (SLC7A5) is a crucial player for cell homeostasis because it is responsible for providing cells with essential amino acids and hormones. LAT1 forms a functional heterodimer with the cell surface antigen heavy chain CD98 (also known as 4F2hc and SLC3A2), a type II membrane glycoprotein, which is essential for LAT1 stability and localization to the plasma membrane. The relevance of LAT1 for human metabolism is also related to its altered expression in human diseases, such as cancer and diabetes. These features boosted research toward molecules that are able to interact with LAT1; in this respect, the recent resolution of the LAT1-CD98 3D structure by Cryo-EM has opened important perspectives in the study of the interaction with different molecules in order to identify new drugs to be used in therapy or new substrates of natural origin to be employed as adjuvants and food supplements. In this work, the interaction of LAT1 with alliin, a garlic derivative, has been investigated by using a combined approach of bioinformatics and in vitro transport assays. Alliin is a nutraceutical that has several beneficial effects on human health, such as antidiabetic, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The computational analysis suggested that alliin interacts with the substrate binding site of LAT1, to which alliin was docked. These data were then confirmed by the competitive type inhibition measured in proteoliposomes. Interestingly, in the same experimental model, alliin was also revealed to be a substrate of LAT1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Scanga
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Filomena Rovella
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Teresa Maria Rosaria Regina
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Michele Galluccio
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
- CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), Bari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Cesare Indiveri,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chatzikyriakidou Y, Ahn DH, Nji E, Drew D. The GFP thermal shift assay for screening ligand and lipid interactions to solute carrier transporters. Nat Protoc 2021; 16:5357-5376. [PMID: 34707255 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00619-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Solute carrier (SLC) transporters represent the second-largest fraction of the membrane proteome after G-protein-coupled receptors, but have been underutilized as drug targets and the function of many members of this family is still unknown. They are technically challenging to work with as they are difficult to express and highly dynamic, making them unstable in detergent solution. Many SLCs lack known inhibitors that could be utilized for stabilization. Furthermore, as they bind their physiological substrates with high micromolar to low millimolar affinities, binding and transport assays have proven to be particularly challenging to implement. Previously, we reported a GFP-based method for the overexpression and purification of membrane proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here, we extend this expression platform with the GFP thermal shift (GFP-TS) assay, which is a simplified version of fluorescence-detection size-exclusion chromatography that combines the sample versatility of fluorescence-detection size-exclusion chromatography with the high-throughput capability of dye-based thermal shift assays. We demonstrate how GFP-TS can be used for detecting specific ligand interactions of SLC transporter fusions and measuring their affinities in crude detergent-solubilized membranes. We further show how GFP-TS can be employed on purified SLC transporter fusions to screen for specific lipid-protein interactions, which is an important complement to native mass spectrometry approaches that cannot cope easily with crude lipid-mixture preparations. This protocol is simple to perform and can be followed by researchers with a basic background in protein chemistry. Starting with an SLC transporter construct that can be expressed and purified from S. cerevisiae in a well-folded state, this protocol extension can be completed in ~4-5 d.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Do-Hwan Ahn
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emmanuel Nji
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Drew
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mazza T, Scalise M, Pappacoda G, Pochini L, Indiveri C. The involvement of sodium in the function of the human amino acid transporter ASCT2. FEBS Lett 2021; 595:3030-3041. [PMID: 34741534 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Alanine, serine, cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2) is a membrane amino acid transporter with relevance to human physiology and pathology, such as cancer. Notwithstanding, the study on the ASCT2 transport cycle still has unknown aspects, such as the role of Na+ in this process. We investigate this issue using recombinant hASCT2 reconstituted in proteoliposomes. Changes in the composition of purification buffers show the crucial role of Na+ in ASCT2 functionality. The transport activity is abolished when Na+ is absent or substituted by Li+ or K+ in purification buffers. By employing a Na+ fluorometric probe, we measured an inwardly directed flux of Na+ and, by combining fluorometric and radiometric assays, determined a 2Na+ : 1Gln stoichiometry. Kinetics of Na+ transport suggest that pH-sensitive residues are involved in Na+ binding/transport. Our results clarify the role of Na+ on human ASCT2 transporter activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiziano Mazza
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Gilda Pappacoda
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Lorena Pochini
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.,CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnology (IBIOM), Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chemical Approaches for Studying the Biology and Pharmacology of Membrane Transporters: The Histidine/Large Amino Acid Transporter SLC7A5 as a Benchmark. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26216562. [PMID: 34770970 PMCID: PMC8588388 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26216562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The localization of membrane transporters at the forefront of natural barriers makes these proteins very interesting due to their involvement in the absorption and distribution of nutrients and xenobiotics, including drugs. Over the years, structure/function relationship studies have been performed employing several strategies, including chemical modification of exposed amino acid residues. These approaches are very meaningful when applied to membrane transporters, given that these proteins are characterized by both hydrophobic and hydrophilic domains with a different degree of accessibility to employed chemicals. Besides basic features, the chemical targeting approaches can disclose information useful for pharmacological applications as well. An eminent example of this picture is the histidine/large amino acid transporter SLC7A5, known as LAT1 (Large Amino Acid Transporter 1). This protein is crucial in cell life because it is responsible for mediating the absorption and distribution of essential amino acids in peculiar body districts, such as the blood brain barrier and placenta. Furthermore, LAT1 can recognize a large variety of molecules of pharmacological interest and is also considered a hot target for drugs due to its over-expression in virtually all human cancers. Therefore, it is not surprising that the chemical targeting approach, coupled with bioinformatics, site-directed mutagenesis and transport assays, proved fundamental in describing features of LAT1 such as the substrate binding site, regulatory domains and interactions with drugs that will be discussed in this review. The results on LAT1 can be considered to have general applicability to other transporters linked with human diseases.
Collapse
|
12
|
Majeed S, Ahmad AB, Sehar U, Georgieva ER. Lipid Membrane Mimetics in Functional and Structural Studies of Integral Membrane Proteins. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:685. [PMID: 34564502 PMCID: PMC8470526 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11090685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Integral membrane proteins (IMPs) fulfill important physiological functions by providing cell-environment, cell-cell and virus-host communication; nutrients intake; export of toxic compounds out of cells; and more. However, some IMPs have obliterated functions due to polypeptide mutations, modifications in membrane properties and/or other environmental factors-resulting in damaged binding to ligands and the adoption of non-physiological conformations that prevent the protein from returning to its physiological state. Thus, elucidating IMPs' mechanisms of function and malfunction at the molecular level is important for enhancing our understanding of cell and organism physiology. This understanding also helps pharmaceutical developments for restoring or inhibiting protein activity. To this end, in vitro studies provide invaluable information about IMPs' structure and the relation between structural dynamics and function. Typically, these studies are conducted on transferred from native membranes to membrane-mimicking nano-platforms (membrane mimetics) purified IMPs. Here, we review the most widely used membrane mimetics in structural and functional studies of IMPs. These membrane mimetics are detergents, liposomes, bicelles, nanodiscs/Lipodisqs, amphipols, and lipidic cubic phases. We also discuss the protocols for IMPs reconstitution in membrane mimetics as well as the applicability of these membrane mimetic-IMP complexes in studies via a variety of biochemical, biophysical, and structural biology techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saman Majeed
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Akram Bani Ahmad
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Ujala Sehar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Elka R Georgieva
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hayashi M, Kojima K, Sudo Y, Yamashita A. An optogenetic assay method for electrogenic transporters using Escherichia coli co-expressing light-driven proton pump. Protein Sci 2021; 30:2161-2169. [PMID: 34216503 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In organisms, nutrients and wastes move across the cellular membrane, in which membrane-embedded transporters facilitate and inhibit the movement. Despite the physiological significances, the currently used assay methods for transporter activities require tedious preparation and analytical processes. In this study, we report the isotope-free and label-free measurement system for the transport activities of electrogenic transporters. In the system, two molecules, a light-driven inward proton pump rhodopsin, xenorhodopsin (XeR), and a representative of an electrogenic transporter, an oxalate transporter (OxlT), were co-expressed in Escherichia coli cells. The light illumination of the cells co-expressing XeR and OxlT showed an increase in the pH of the bulk solution and that the extent of the pH change is significantly enhanced by adding the oxalate, suggesting the light-induced inward proton transport by XeR coupled to the negative electrogenic transport by OxlT. Such a pH increase was dependent on the oxalate concentration, but not on the XeR expression level. Of note, pH increase was not observed for the nonfunctional mutants of OxlT, R272A, and K355Q, supporting the validity of the system. Thus, we successfully developed an optogenetic assay method for electrogenic transporters using E. coli co-expressing light-driven proton pump.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Hayashi
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Keiichi Kojima
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yuki Sudo
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Atsuko Yamashita
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Drew D, North RA, Nagarathinam K, Tanabe M. Structures and General Transport Mechanisms by the Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS). Chem Rev 2021; 121:5289-5335. [PMID: 33886296 PMCID: PMC8154325 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The major facilitator superfamily (MFS) is the largest known superfamily of secondary active transporters. MFS transporters are responsible for transporting a broad spectrum of substrates, either down their concentration gradient or uphill using the energy stored in the electrochemical gradients. Over the last 10 years, more than a hundred different MFS transporter structures covering close to 40 members have provided an atomic framework for piecing together the molecular basis of their transport cycles. Here, we summarize the remarkable promiscuity of MFS members in terms of substrate recognition and proton coupling as well as the intricate gating mechanisms undergone in achieving substrate translocation. We outline studies that show how residues far from the substrate binding site can be just as important for fine-tuning substrate recognition and specificity as those residues directly coordinating the substrate, and how a number of MFS transporters have evolved to form unique complexes with chaperone and signaling functions. Through a deeper mechanistic description of glucose (GLUT) transporters and multidrug resistance (MDR) antiporters, we outline novel refinements to the rocker-switch alternating-access model, such as a latch mechanism for proton-coupled monosaccharide transport. We emphasize that a full understanding of transport requires an elucidation of MFS transporter dynamics, energy landscapes, and the determination of how rate transitions are modulated by lipids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Drew
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm
University, SE 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rachel A. North
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm
University, SE 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kumar Nagarathinam
- Center
of Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Lübeck, D-23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Mikio Tanabe
- Structural
Biology Research Center, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), Oho 1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0801, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Herbert FC, Abeyrathna SS, Abeyrathna NS, Wijesundara YH, Brohlin OR, Carraro F, Amenitsch H, Falcaro P, Luzuriaga MA, Durand-Silva A, Diwakara SD, Smaldone RA, Meloni G, Gassensmith JJ. Stabilization of supramolecular membrane protein-lipid bilayer assemblies through immobilization in a crystalline exoskeleton. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2202. [PMID: 33850135 PMCID: PMC8044103 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22285-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial native-like lipid bilayer systems constructed from phospholipids assembling into unilamellar liposomes allow the reconstitution of detergent-solubilized transmembrane proteins into supramolecular lipid-protein assemblies called proteoliposomes, which mimic cellular membranes. Stabilization of these complexes remains challenging because of their chemical composition, the hydrophobicity and structural instability of membrane proteins, and the lability of interactions between protein, detergent, and lipids within micelles and lipid bilayers. In this work we demonstrate that metastable lipid, protein-detergent, and protein-lipid supramolecular complexes can be successfully generated and immobilized within zeolitic-imidazole framework (ZIF) to enhance their stability against chemical and physical stressors. Upon immobilization in ZIF bio-composites, blank liposomes, and model transmembrane metal transporters in detergent micelles or embedded in proteoliposomes resist elevated temperatures, exposure to chemical denaturants, aging, and mechanical stresses. Extensive morphological and functional characterization of the assemblies upon exfoliation reveal that all these complexes encapsulated within the framework maintain their native morphology, structure, and activity, which is otherwise lost rapidly without immobilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabian C Herbert
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Sameera S Abeyrathna
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Nisansala S Abeyrathna
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Yalini H Wijesundara
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Olivia R Brohlin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Francesco Carraro
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Heinz Amenitsch
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Paolo Falcaro
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Michael A Luzuriaga
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Alejandra Durand-Silva
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Shashini D Diwakara
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Ronald A Smaldone
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Gabriele Meloni
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA.
| | - Jeremiah J Gassensmith
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Tonazzi A, Giangregorio N, Console L, Palmieri F, Indiveri C. The Mitochondrial Carnitine Acyl-carnitine Carrier (SLC25A20): Molecular Mechanisms of Transport, Role in Redox Sensing and Interaction with Drugs. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11040521. [PMID: 33807231 PMCID: PMC8066319 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The SLC25A20 transporter, also known as carnitine acyl-carnitine carrier (CAC), catalyzes the transport of short, medium and long carbon chain acyl-carnitines across the mitochondrial inner membrane in exchange for carnitine. The 30-year story of the protein responsible for this function started with its purification from rat liver mitochondria. Even though its 3D structure is not yet available, CAC is one of the most deeply characterized transport proteins of the inner mitochondrial membrane. Other than functional, kinetic and mechanistic data, post-translational modifications regulating the transport activity of CAC have been revealed. CAC interactions with drugs or xenobiotics relevant to human health and toxicology and the response of the carrier function to dietary compounds have been discovered. Exploiting combined approaches of site-directed mutagenesis with chemical targeting and bioinformatics, a large set of data on structure/function relationships have been obtained, giving novel information on the molecular mechanism of the transport catalyzed by this protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Tonazzi
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.T.); (N.G.)
| | - Nicola Giangregorio
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.T.); (N.G.)
| | - Lara Console
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy;
| | - Ferdinando Palmieri
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.T.); (N.G.)
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.P.); (C.I.); Tel.: +39-080-544-3323 (F.P.); Tel.: +39-0984-492939 (C.I.)
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.T.); (N.G.)
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy;
- Correspondence: (F.P.); (C.I.); Tel.: +39-080-544-3323 (F.P.); Tel.: +39-0984-492939 (C.I.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Fairweather SJ, Shah N, Brӧer S. Heteromeric Solute Carriers: Function, Structure, Pathology and Pharmacology. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 21:13-127. [PMID: 33052588 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2020_584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Solute carriers form one of three major superfamilies of membrane transporters in humans, and include uniporters, exchangers and symporters. Following several decades of molecular characterisation, multiple solute carriers that form obligatory heteromers with unrelated subunits are emerging as a distinctive principle of membrane transporter assembly. Here we comprehensively review experimentally established heteromeric solute carriers: SLC3-SLC7 amino acid exchangers, SLC16 monocarboxylate/H+ symporters and basigin/embigin, SLC4A1 (AE1) and glycophorin A exchanger, SLC51 heteromer Ost α-Ost β uniporter, and SLC6 heteromeric symporters. The review covers the history of the heteromer discovery, transporter physiology, structure, disease associations and pharmacology - all with a focus on the heteromeric assembly. The cellular locations, requirements for complex formation, and the functional role of dimerization are extensively detailed, including analysis of the first complete heteromer structures, the SLC7-SLC3 family transporters LAT1-4F2hc, b0,+AT-rBAT and the SLC6 family heteromer B0AT1-ACE2. We present a systematic analysis of the structural and functional aspects of heteromeric solute carriers and conclude with common principles of their functional roles and structural architecture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Fairweather
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia. .,Resarch School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
| | - Nishank Shah
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Stefan Brӧer
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hewton KG, Johal AS, Parker SJ. Transporters at the Interface between Cytosolic and Mitochondrial Amino Acid Metabolism. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11020112. [PMID: 33669382 PMCID: PMC7920303 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11020112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are central organelles that coordinate a vast array of metabolic and biologic functions important for cellular health. Amino acids are intricately linked to the bioenergetic, biosynthetic, and homeostatic function of the mitochondrion and require specific transporters to facilitate their import, export, and exchange across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Here we review key cellular metabolic outputs of eukaryotic mitochondrial amino acid metabolism and discuss both known and unknown transporters involved. Furthermore, we discuss how utilization of compartmentalized amino acid metabolism functions in disease and physiological contexts. We examine how improved methods to study mitochondrial metabolism, define organelle metabolite composition, and visualize cellular gradients allow for a more comprehensive understanding of how transporters facilitate compartmentalized metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keeley G. Hewton
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (K.G.H.); (A.S.J.)
| | - Amritpal S. Johal
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (K.G.H.); (A.S.J.)
| | - Seth J. Parker
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (K.G.H.); (A.S.J.)
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V6H 0B3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-604-875-3121
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Console L, Tolomeo M, Indiveri C. Functional Study of the Human Riboflavin Transporter 2 Using Proteoliposomes System. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2280:45-54. [PMID: 33751428 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1286-6_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Riboflavin is essential for cell viability. The biologically active forms of riboflavin, FMN and FAD, participate in many biochemical redox reactions including the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and lipids. Differently from bacteria, fungi, and plants which synthesize riboflavin, higher organisms have lost the ability to synthesize the vitamin and must absorb it from food and intestinal microflora production. The riboflavin flux through cell membranes occurs via specific transporters belonging to the SLC52 family. Three members of this family have been identified so far which show poor homology with the riboflavin transporters of Saccharomyces cerevisiae or bacteria. Alterations of RFVTs are causative of severe diseases. Indeed, under pathological stress, humans are susceptible of developing riboflavin deficiency. Such a deficiency in pregnancy induces fetus abnormalities, and has been indicated as a risk factor for anemia, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegeneration. Moreover, inherited diseases are also of interest; the most well-described is the Brown-Vialetto-van Laere syndrome, a rare neurological disorder characterized by infancy onset sensorineural deafness and pontobulbar palsy. Numerous polymorphisms of Slc52a2 and Slc52a3 genes associated with this syndrome have been discovered. In spite of their important metabolic role and their relevance to human health, the riboflavin transporters are still poorly characterized. Bacterial overexpression, purification, and protein reconstitution in liposomes represent an up-to-date methodology for obtaining functional data information. The methodology for reconstituting the RFVT2 into proteoliposomes and performing transport assay is described. These methods will be suitable for investigating the functional defects of the variants of RFVTs associated with human pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Console
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Maria Tolomeo
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Nicklisch SC, Hamdoun A. Disruption of small molecule transporter systems by Transporter-Interfering Chemicals (TICs). FEBS Lett 2020; 594:4158-4185. [PMID: 33222203 PMCID: PMC8112642 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Small molecule transporters (SMTs) in the ABC and SLC families are important players in disposition of diverse endo- and xenobiotics. Interactions of environmental chemicals with these transporters were first postulated in the 1990s, and since validated in numerous in vitro and in vivo scenarios. Recent results on the co-crystal structure of ABCB1 with the flame-retardant BDE-100 demonstrate that a diverse range of man-made and natural toxic molecules, hereafter termed transporter-interfering chemicals (TICs), can directly bind to SMTs and interfere with their function. TIC-binding modes mimic those of substrates, inhibitors, modulators, inducers, and possibly stimulants through direct and allosteric mechanisms. Similarly, the effects could directly or indirectly agonize, antagonize or perhaps even prime the SMT system to alter transport function. Importantly, TICs are distinguished from drugs and pharmaceuticals that interact with transporters in that exposure is unintended and inherently variant. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms of environmental chemical interaction with SMTs, the methodological considerations for their evaluation, and the future directions for TIC discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sascha C.T. Nicklisch
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Amro Hamdoun
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0202
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Cho E, Lu Y. Compartmentalizing Cell-Free Systems: Toward Creating Life-Like Artificial Cells and Beyond. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:2881-2901. [PMID: 33095011 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Building an artificial cell is a research area that is rigorously studied in the field of synthetic biology. It has brought about much attention with the aim of ultimately constructing a natural cell-like structure. In particular, with the more mature cell-free platforms and various compartmentalization methods becoming available, achieving this aim seems not far away. In this review, we discuss the various types of artificial cells capable of hosting several cellular functions. Different compartmental boundaries and the mature and evolving technologies that are used for compartmentalization are examined, and exciting recent advances that overcome or have the potential to address current challenges are discussed. Ultimately, we show how compartmentalization and cell-free systems have, and will, come together to fulfill the goal to assemble a fully synthetic cell that displays functionality and complexity as advanced as that in nature. The development of such artificial cell systems will offer insight into the fundamental study of evolutionary biology and the sea of applications as a result. Although several challenges remain, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence also appear to help pave the way to address them and achieve the ultimate goal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eunhee Cho
- Key Lab of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Key Lab of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Cosco J, Scalise M, Colas C, Galluccio M, Martini R, Rovella F, Mazza T, Ecker GF, Indiveri C. ATP modulates SLC7A5 (LAT1) synergistically with cholesterol. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16738. [PMID: 33028978 PMCID: PMC7541457 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73757-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The plasma membrane transporter hLAT1 is responsible for providing cells with essential amino acids. hLAT1 is over-expressed in virtually all human cancers making the protein a hot-spot in the fields of cancer and pharmacology research. However, regulatory aspects of hLAT1 biology are still poorly understood. A remarkable stimulation of transport activity was observed in the presence of physiological levels of cholesterol together with a selective increase of the affinity for the substrate on the internal site, suggesting a stabilization of the inward open conformation of hLAT1. A synergistic effect by ATP was also observed only in the presence of cholesterol. The same phenomenon was detected with the native protein. Altogether, the biochemical assays suggested that cholesterol and ATP binding sites are close to each other. The computational analysis identified two neighboring regions, one hydrophobic and one hydrophilic, to which cholesterol and ATP were docked, respectively. The computational data predicted interaction of the ϒ-phosphate of ATP with Lys 204, which was confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis. The hLAT1-K204Q mutant showed an impaired function and response to ATP. Interestingly, this residue is conserved in several members of the SLC7 family.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Cosco
- Department of DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, via Bucci 4C, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Department of DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, via Bucci 4C, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Claire Colas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090, Wien, Austria
| | - Michele Galluccio
- Department of DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, via Bucci 4C, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Riccardo Martini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090, Wien, Austria
| | - Filomena Rovella
- Department of DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, via Bucci 4C, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Tiziano Mazza
- Department of DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, via Bucci 4C, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Gerhard F Ecker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090, Wien, Austria
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Department of DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze Della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, via Bucci 4C, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy. .,CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), via Amendola 122/O, 70126, Bari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Console L, Scalise M, Mazza T, Pochini L, Galluccio M, Giangregorio N, Tonazzi A, Indiveri C. Carnitine Traffic in Cells. Link With Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:583850. [PMID: 33072764 PMCID: PMC7530336 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.583850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic flexibility is a peculiar hallmark of cancer cells. A growing number of observations reveal that tumors can utilize a wide range of substrates to sustain cell survival and proliferation. The diversity of carbon sources is indicative of metabolic heterogeneity not only across different types of cancer but also within those sharing a common origin. Apart from the well-assessed alteration in glucose and amino acid metabolisms, there are pieces of evidence that cancer cells display alterations of lipid metabolism as well; indeed, some tumors use fatty acid oxidation (FAO) as the main source of energy and express high levels of FAO enzymes. In this metabolic pathway, the cofactor carnitine is crucial since it serves as a “shuttle-molecule” to allow fatty acid acyl moieties entering the mitochondrial matrix where these molecules are oxidized via the β-oxidation pathway. This role, together with others played by carnitine in cell metabolism, underlies the fine regulation of carnitine traffic among different tissues and, within a cell, among different subcellular compartments. Specific membrane transporters mediate carnitine and carnitine derivatives flux across the cell membranes. Among the SLCs, the plasma membrane transporters OCTN2 (Organic cation transport novel 2 or SLC22A5), CT2 (Carnitine transporter 2 or SLC22A16), MCT9 (Monocarboxylate transporter 9 or SLC16A9) and ATB0, + [Sodium- and chloride-dependent neutral and basic amino acid transporter B(0+) or SLC6A14] together with the mitochondrial membrane transporter CAC (Mitochondrial carnitine/acylcarnitine carrier or SLC25A20) are the most acknowledged to mediate the flux of carnitine. The concerted action of these proteins creates a carnitine network that becomes relevant in the context of cancer metabolic rewiring. Therefore, molecular mechanisms underlying modulation of function and expression of carnitine transporters are dealt with furnishing some perspective for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Console
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Tiziano Mazza
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Lorena Pochini
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Michele Galluccio
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Nicola Giangregorio
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Annamaria Tonazzi
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.,Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Botet-Carreras A, Montero MT, Sot J, Domènech Ò, Borrell JH. Characterization of monolayers and liposomes that mimic lipid composition of HeLa cells. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2020; 196:111288. [PMID: 32759004 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2020.111288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In this work, based on several studies, we develop an artificial lipid membrane to mimic the HeLa cell membrane using 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (POPC), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (POPE), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-l-serine (POPS) and cholesterol (CHOL). This is then a means to further study the fusion process of specific engineered liposomes. To characterize the mimicked HeLa cell membrane, we determined a series of surface pressure-area (π-A) isotherms and the isothermal compression modulus was calculated together with the dipole moment normal to the plane of the monolayer. The existence of laterally segregated domains was assessed using a fluorescence technique (Laurdan) and two microscopy techniques: Brewster angle microscopy (BAM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) of Langmuir-Blodgett films (LBs) extracted at 30 mN m-1. To examine the nature and composition of the observed domains, force spectroscopy (FS) based on AFM was applied to the LBs. Finally, two engineered liposome formulations were tested in a fusion assay against mimicked HeLa cell membrane LBs, showing good results and thereby opening the door to further assays and uses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrià Botet-Carreras
- Secció de Fisicoquímica, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Spain; Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN(2)UB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - M Teresa Montero
- Secció de Fisicoquímica, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Spain; Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN(2)UB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jesús Sot
- Instituto Biofisika (CSIC-UPV/HEU, Campus Universitario, 48940, Leioa, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Òscar Domènech
- Secció de Fisicoquímica, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Spain; Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN(2)UB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jordi H Borrell
- Secció de Fisicoquímica, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Spain; Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN(2)UB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yao X, Fan X, Yan N. Cryo-EM analysis of a membrane protein embedded in the liposome. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:18497-18503. [PMID: 32680969 PMCID: PMC7414195 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2009385117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane proteins (MPs) used to be the most difficult targets for structural biology when X-ray crystallography was the mainstream approach. With the resolution revolution of single-particle electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM), rapid progress has been made for structural elucidation of isolated MPs. The next challenge is to preserve the electrochemical gradients and membrane curvature for a comprehensive structural elucidation of MPs that rely on these chemical and physical properties for their biological functions. Toward this goal, here we present a convenient workflow for cryo-EM structural analysis of MPs embedded in liposomes, using the well-characterized AcrB as a prototype. Combining optimized proteoliposome isolation, cryo-sample preparation on graphene grids, and an efficient particle selection strategy, the three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of AcrB embedded in liposomes was obtained at 3.9 Å resolution. The conformation of the homotrimeric AcrB remains the same when the surrounding membranes display different curvatures. Our approach, which can be widely applied to cryo-EM analysis of MPs with distinctive soluble domains, lays out the foundation for cryo-EM analysis of integral or peripheral MPs whose functions are affected by transmembrane electrochemical gradients or/and membrane curvatures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Yao
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
| | - Xiao Fan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
| | - Nieng Yan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Scalise M, Pochini L, Galluccio M, Console L, Indiveri C. Glutamine transporters as pharmacological targets: From function to drug design. Asian J Pharm Sci 2020; 15:207-219. [PMID: 32373200 PMCID: PMC7193454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the different targets of administered drugs, there are membrane transporters that play also a role in drug delivery and disposition. Moreover, drug-transporter interactions are responsible for off-target effects of drugs underlying their toxicity. The improvement of the drug design process is subjected to the identification of those membrane transporters mostly relevant for drug absorption, delivery and side effect production. A peculiar group of proteins with great relevance to pharmacology is constituted by the membrane transporters responsible for managing glutamine traffic in different body districts. The interest around glutamine metabolism lies in its physio-pathological role; glutamine is considered a conditionally essential amino acid because highly proliferative cells have an increased request of glutamine that cannot be satisfied only by endogenous synthesis. Then, glutamine transporters provide cells with this special nutrient. Among the glutamine transporters, SLC1A5, SLC6A14, SLC6A19, SLC7A5, SLC7A8 and some members of SLC38 family are the best characterized, so far, in both physiological and pathological conditions. Few 3D structures have been solved by CryoEM; other structural data on these transporters have been obtained by computational analysis. Interactions with drugs have been described for several transporters of this group. For some of them, the studies are at an advanced stage, for others, the studies are still in nuce and novel biochemical findings open intriguing perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Department of DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS) 87036, Italy
| | - Lorena Pochini
- Department of DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS) 87036, Italy
| | - Michele Galluccio
- Department of DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS) 87036, Italy
| | - Lara Console
- Department of DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS) 87036, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Department of DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS) 87036, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Scalise M, Console L, Galluccio M, Pochini L, Indiveri C. Chemical Targeting of Membrane Transporters: Insights into Structure/Function Relationships. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:2069-2080. [PMID: 32064367 PMCID: PMC7016923 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b04078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Chemical modification of proteins is a vintage strategy that is still fashionable due to the information that can be obtained from this approach. An interesting application of chemical modification is linked with membrane transporters. These proteins have peculiar features such as the presence of hydrophobic and hydrophilic domains, which show different degree of accessibility to chemicals. The presence of reactive residues in the membrane transporters is at the basis of the chemical targeting strategy devoted to investigating structure/function relationships; in particular, information on the substrate binding site, regulatory domains, dimerization domains, and the interface between hydrophilic loops and transmembrane domains has been obtained over the years by chemical targeting. Given the difficulty in handling membrane transporters, their study experienced a great delay, particularly concerning structural information. Chemical targeting has been applied with reasonable success to some membrane transporters belonging to the families SLC1, SLC6, SLC7, and SLC22. Furthermore, some data on the potential application of chemical targeting in pharmacology are also discussed.
Collapse
|
28
|
Kaluzhskiy LA, Ershov PV, Kurpedinov KS, Sonina DS, Yablokov EO, Shkel TV, Haidukevich IV, Sergeev GV, Usanov SA, Ivanov AS. [SPR analysis of protein-protein interactions with P450 cytochromes and cytochrome b5 integrated into lipid membrane]. BIOMEDIT︠S︡INSKAI︠A︡ KHIMII︠A︡ 2019; 65:374-379. [PMID: 31666408 DOI: 10.18097/pbmc20196505374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Identification of new protein-protein interactions (PPI) and characterization of quantitative parameters of complex formation represent one of central tasks of protein interactomics. This work is a logical continuation of the cycle of our previous works devoted to the study of PPIs among the components of cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase system. Using an optical biosensor of Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR biosensor), a comparative analysis on the determination of kinetic and equilibrium parameters of complex formation between the membrane-bound hemoprotein cytochrome b5 with cytochrome P450s was performed using two different protocols for protein immobilization: 1) covalent non-oriented one on to the carboxymethyl dextran chip type CM and 2) non-covalent oriented immobilization in the lipid environment on the chip type L1 with internal control of liposomes surface distribution. In the second protocol it was shown that the complex formation was characterized by 2.5 times higher affinity due to an decrease in rate dissociation constants. The appropriateness of using both experimental models is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - P V Ershov
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - K S Kurpedinov
- Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - D S Sonina
- Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - E O Yablokov
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - T V Shkel
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk, Belarus
| | - I V Haidukevich
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk, Belarus
| | - G V Sergeev
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk, Belarus
| | - S A Usanov
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk, Belarus
| | - A S Ivanov
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Reconstitution in Proteoliposomes of the Recombinant Human Riboflavin Transporter 2 (SLC52A2) Overexpressed in E. coli. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184416. [PMID: 31500345 PMCID: PMC6769532 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: the SLC52A2 gene encodes for the riboflavin transporter 2 (RFVT2). This transporter is ubiquitously expressed. It mediates the transport of Riboflavin across cell membranes. Riboflavin plays a crucial role in cells since its biologically active forms, FMN and FAD, are essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and lipids. Mutation of the Riboflavin transporters is a risk factor for anemia, cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration. Inborn mutations of SLC52A2 are associated with Brown-Vialetto-van Laere syndrome, a rare neurological disorder characterized by infancy onset. In spite of the important metabolic and physio/pathological role of this transporter few data are available on its function and regulation. Methods: the human recombinant RFVT2 has been overexpressed in E. coli, purified and reconstituted into proteoliposomes in order to characterize its activity following the [3H]Riboflavin transport. Results: the recombinant hRFVT2 showed a Km of 0.26 ± 0.07 µM and was inhibited by lumiflavin, FMN and Mg2+. The Riboflavin uptake was also regulated by Ca2+. The native protein extracted from fibroblast and reconstituted in proteoliposomes also showed inhibition by FMN and lumiflavin. Conclusions: proteoliposomes represent a suitable model to assay the RFVT2 function. It will be useful for screening the mutation of RFVT2.
Collapse
|
30
|
Lin J, Weixler D, Daboss S, Seibold GM, Andronescu C, Schuhmann W, Kranz C. Time-resolved ATP measurements during vesicle respiration. Talanta 2019; 205:120083. [PMID: 31450430 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.06.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In vitro synthesis of ATP catalyzed by the ATP-synthase requires membrane vesicles, in which the ATP-synthase is present within the bilayer membrane. Inverted vesicle prepared from Gram negative cells (e.g., Escherichia coli or Pseudomonas putida) can be readily obtained and used for in vitro ATP-synthesis. Up to now, quantification of ATP synthesized by membrane vesicles has been mostly analyzed via bioluminescence-based assays. Alternatively, vesicle respiration and the associated ATP level can be determined using biosensors, which not only provide high selectivity, but allow ATP measurements without the sample being illuminated. Here, we present a microbiosensor for ATP in combination with scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) using an innovative two-compartment electrochemical cell for the determination of ATP levels at E.coli or P. putida inverted vesicles. For a protein concentration of 22 mg/ml, a total amount of 0.29 ± 0.03 μM/μl ATP per vesicle was determined in case of E.coli; in turn, P. putida derived vesicles yielded 0.48 ± 0.02 μM/μl ATP per vesicle at a total protein concentration of 25.2 mg/ml. Inhibition experiments with Venturicidin A clearly revealed that the respiratory chain enzyme complex responsible for ATP generation is effectively involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lin
- Institute of Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Dominik Weixler
- Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sven Daboss
- Institute of Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Gerd M Seibold
- Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany; Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Corina Andronescu
- Chemical Technology III, Faculty of Chemistry and Center for Nanointegration (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, Carl-Benz-Str. 199, 47057, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schuhmann
- Analytical Chemistry - Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, 17 Universitätsstr. 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Christine Kranz
- Institute of Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Scalise M, Console L, Galluccio M, Pochini L, Tonazzi A, Giangregorio N, Indiveri C. Exploiting Cysteine Residues of SLC Membrane Transporters as Targets for Drugs. SLAS DISCOVERY 2019; 24:867-881. [PMID: 31251685 DOI: 10.1177/2472555219856601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The observation that cysteine is the top gainer amino acid during evolution attracted the attention of scientists dealing with protein chemistry. The thiol group of cysteine, indeed, is a potential site for several types of reactions with variable specificity and strength. This feature proved to be promising also in the field of membrane transporters that represent boundary proteins fundamental for cell homeostasis. These proteins are classified, according to the driving force for transport, in primary or secondary active transporters. Another frequently used classification is nowadays based on phylogenesis. Two major groups are identified that take into account both criteria: the ABC and the SLC transporters, the second being much more numerous. The cellular localization of the transporters makes them very attractive for drug design. Moreover, the presence of at least one cysteine residue in all the annotated SLC transporters, so far, highlights the possibility of using the thiol (SH) residue for covalent drug targeting. Even if a delay exists in this research field due to the scarce knowledge of structure/function relationships, the setup of novel experimental tools for studying SLC proteins of plasma and organelle membranes opens an important perspective in pharmacology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Lara Console
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Michele Galluccio
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Lorena Pochini
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Annamaria Tonazzi
- CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnology (IBIOM), Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Giangregorio
- CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnology (IBIOM), Bari, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Tucker RAJ, Cheah IK, Halliwell B. Specificity of the ergothioneine transporter natively expressed in HeLa cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 513:22-27. [PMID: 30929922 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.02.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Ergothioneine is a biologically important compound that has been shown to be transported by the organic cation transporter novel type 1 (OCTN1). Following this discovery, a variety of alternate functions for OCTN1 have been suggested including an integral function in the extra-neuronal cholinergic system. The present study reaffirms the primacy of ergothioneine over these alternate substrates using natively expressed OCTN1 in HeLa cells. Besides the general transport inhibitors, quinidine, verapamil and pyrilamine no other putative substrate inhibited ergothioneine transport significantly, with only a slight inhibition demonstrated by carnitine. Even compounds structurally similar to ergothioneine failed to inhibit ergothioneine uptake, suggesting high selectivity of OCTN1. Ergothioneine was found to be avidly accumulated even at low concentrations (300 nM) by HeLa cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert A J Tucker
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore
| | - Irwin K Cheah
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore
| | - Barry Halliwell
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Pochini L, Galluccio M, Scalise M, Console L, Indiveri C. OCTN: A Small Transporter Subfamily with Great Relevance to Human Pathophysiology, Drug Discovery, and Diagnostics. SLAS DISCOVERY 2018; 24:89-110. [PMID: 30523710 DOI: 10.1177/2472555218812821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OCTN is a small subfamily of membrane transport proteins that belongs to the larger SLC22 family. Two of the three members of the subfamily, namely, OCTN2 and OCTN1, are present in humans. OCTN2 plays a crucial role in the absorption of carnitine from diet and in its distribution to tissues, as demonstrated by the occurrence of severe pathologies caused by malfunctioning or altered expression of this transporter. These findings suggest avoiding a strict vegetarian diet during pregnancy and in childhood. Other roles of OCTN2 are related to the traffic of carnitine derivatives in many tissues. The role of OCTN1 is still unclear, despite the identification of some substrates such as ergothioneine, acetylcholine, and choline. Plausibly, the transporter acts on the control of inflammation and oxidative stress, even though knockout mice do not display phenotypes. A clear role of both transporters has been revealed in drug interaction and delivery. The polyspecificity of the OCTNs is at the base of the interactions with drugs. Interestingly, OCTN2 has been recently exploited in the prodrug approach and in diagnostics. A promising application derives from the localization of OCTN2 in exosomes that represent a noninvasive diagnostic tool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Pochini
- 1 Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Michele Galluccio
- 1 Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Mariafrancesca Scalise
- 1 Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Lara Console
- 1 Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- 1 Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.,2 CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnology, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Giangregorio N, Tonazzi A, Console L, Galluccio M, Porcelli V, Indiveri C. Structure/function relationships of the human mitochondrial ornithine/citrulline carrier by Cys site-directed mutagenesis. Relevance to mercury toxicity. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 120:93-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.08.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
35
|
Optimization of Detergent-Mediated Reconstitution of Influenza A M2 Protein into Proteoliposomes. MEMBRANES 2018; 8:membranes8040103. [PMID: 30413063 PMCID: PMC6315538 DOI: 10.3390/membranes8040103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
We report the optimization of detergent-mediated reconstitution of an integral membrane-bound protein, full-length influenza M2 protein, by direct insertion into detergent-saturated liposomes. Detergent-mediated reconstitution is an important method for preparing proteoliposomes for studying membrane proteins, and must be optimized for each combination of protein and membrane constituents used. The purpose of the reconstitution was to prepare samples for site-directed spin-labeling electron paramagnetic resonance (SDSL-EPR) studies. Our goals in optimizing the protocol were to minimize the amount of detergent used, reduce overall proteoliposome preparation time, and confirm the removal of all detergent. The liposomes were comprised of (1-palmitoyl-2-oleyl-sn-glycero-phosphocholine (POPC) and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleyl-sn-glycero-3-[phospho-rac-(1-glycerol)] (POPG), and the detergent octylglucoside (OG) was used for reconstitution. Rigorous physical characterization was applied to optimize each step of the reconstitution process. We used dynamic light scattering (DLS) to determine the amount of OG needed to saturate the preformed liposomes. During detergent removal by absorption with Bio-Beads, we quantified the detergent concentration by means of a colorimetric assay, thereby determining the number of Bio-Bead additions needed to remove all detergent from the final proteoliposomes. We found that the overnight Bio-Bead incubation used in previously published protocols can be omitted, reducing the time needed for reconstitution. We also monitored the size distribution of the proteoliposomes with DLS, confirming that the size distribution remains essentially constant throughout the reconstitution process.
Collapse
|
36
|
Scalise M, Galluccio M, Console L, Pochini L, Indiveri C. The Human SLC7A5 (LAT1): The Intriguing Histidine/Large Neutral Amino Acid Transporter and Its Relevance to Human Health. Front Chem 2018; 6:243. [PMID: 29988369 PMCID: PMC6023973 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
SLC7A5, known as LAT1, belongs to the APC superfamily and forms a heterodimeric amino acid transporter interacting with the glycoprotein CD98 (SLC3A2) through a conserved disulfide. The complex is responsible for uptake of essential amino acids in crucial body districts such as placenta and blood brain barrier. LAT1/CD98 heterodimer has been studied over the years to unravel the transport mechanism and the role of each subunit. Studies conducted in intact cells demonstrated that LAT1/CD98 mediates a Na+ and pH independent antiport of amino acids. Some novel insights into the function of LAT1 derived from studies conducted in proteoliposomes reconstituted with the recombinant human LAT1. Using this experimental tool, it has been demonstrated that the preferred substrate is histidine and that CD98 is not required for transport being, plausibly, involved in routing LAT1 to the plasma membrane. Since a 3D structure of LAT1 is not available, homology models have been built on the basis of the AdiC transporter from E.coli. Crucial residues for substrate recognition and gating have been identified using a combined approach of bioinformatics and site-directed mutagenesis coupled to functional assays. Over the years, the interest around LAT1 increased because this transporter is involved in important human diseases such as neurological disorders and cancer. Therefore, LAT1 became an important pharmacological target together with other nutrient membrane transporters. Moving from knowledge on structure/function relationships, two cysteine residues, lying on the substrate binding site, have been exploited for designing thiol reacting covalent inhibitors. Some lead compounds have been characterized whose efficacy has been tested in a cancer cell line.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Michele Galluccio
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Lara Console
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Lorena Pochini
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.,CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnology, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Scalise M, Pochini L, Galluccio M, Console L, Indiveri C. Glutamine Transport and Mitochondrial Metabolism in Cancer Cell Growth. Front Oncol 2017; 7:306. [PMID: 29376023 PMCID: PMC5770653 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2017.00306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept that cancer is a metabolic disease is now well acknowledged: many cancer cell types rely mostly on glucose and some amino acids, especially glutamine for energy supply. These findings were corroborated by overexpression of plasma membrane nutrient transporters, such as the glucose transporters (GLUTs) and some amino acid transporters such as ASCT2, LAT1, and ATB0,+, which became promising targets for pharmacological intervention. On the basis of their sodium-dependent transport modes, ASCT2 and ATB0+ have the capacity to sustain glutamine need of cancer cells; while LAT1, which is sodium independent will have the role of providing cancer cells with some amino acids with plausible signaling roles. According to the metabolic reprogramming of many types of cancer cells, glucose is mainly catabolized by aerobic glycolysis in tumors, while the fate of Glutamine is completed at mitochondrial level where the enzyme Glutaminase converts Glutamine to Glutamate. Glutamine rewiring in cancer cells is heterogeneous. For example, Glutamate is converted to α-Ketoglutarate giving rise to a truncated form of Krebs cycle. This reprogrammed pathway leads to the production of ATP mainly at substrate level and regeneration of reducing equivalents needed for cells growth, redox balance, and metabolic energy. Few studies on hypothetical mitochondrial transporter for Glutamine are reported and indirect evidences suggested its presence. Pharmacological compounds able to inhibit Glutamine metabolism may represent novel drugs for cancer treatments. Interestingly, well acknowledged targets for drugs are the Glutamine transporters of plasma membrane and the key enzyme Glutaminase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Lorena Pochini
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Michele Galluccio
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Lara Console
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.,CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnology, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
A Critical View on In Vitro Analysis of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) Transport Kinetics. J Pharm Sci 2017; 106:2257-2264. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2017.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
39
|
Regina TMR, Galluccio M, Scalise M, Pochini L, Indiveri C. Bacterial production and reconstitution in proteoliposomes of Solanum lycopersicum CAT2: a transporter of basic amino acids and organic cations. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 94:657-667. [PMID: 28695314 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-017-0632-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The vacuolar SlCAT2 was cloned, over-produced in E. coli and reconstituted in proteoliposomes. Arg, Ornithine and Lys were identified as substrates. Unexpectedly, also the organic cations Tetraethylammonium and Acetylcholine were transported indicating involvement of SlCAT2 in signaling. In land plants several transporters are involved in ion and metabolite flux across membranes of cells or intracellular organelles. The vacuolar amino acid transporter CAT2 from Solanum lycopersicum was investigated in this work. SlCAT2 was cloned from tomato flower cDNA, over-produced in Escherichia coli and purified by Nichel-chelating chromatography. For functional studies, the transporter was reconstituted in proteoliposomes. Competence of SlCAT2 for Arg transport was demonstrated measuring uptake of [3H]Arg in proteoliposomes which was trans-stimulated by internal Arg or ornithine. Uptake of [3H]Ornithine and [3H]Lys was also detected at lower efficiency with respect to [3H]Arg. Transport was activated by the presence of intraliposomal ATP suggesting regulation by the nucleotide. The prototype for organic cations tetraethylammonium (TEA) was also transported by SlCAT2. However, scarce reciprocal inhibition between TEA and Arg was found, while the biguanide metformin was able to strongly inhibit uptake of both substrates. These findings suggest that amino acids and organic cations may interact with the transporter through different functional groups some of which are common for the two types of substrates. Interestingly, reconstituted SlCAT2 showed competence for acetylcholine transport, which was also inhibited by metformin. Kinetics of Arg and Ach transport were performed from which Km values of 0.29 and 0.79 mM were derived, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Maria Rosaria Regina
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4C, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Michele Galluccio
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4C, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4C, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Lorena Pochini
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4C, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4C, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Mandal A, Boatz JC, Wheeler TB, van der Wel PCA. On the use of ultracentrifugal devices for routine sample preparation in biomolecular magic-angle-spinning NMR. JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR NMR 2017; 67:165-178. [PMID: 28229262 PMCID: PMC5445385 DOI: 10.1007/s10858-017-0089-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
A number of recent advances in the field of magic-angle-spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR have enabled its application to a range of biological systems of ever increasing complexity. To retain biological relevance, these samples are increasingly studied in a hydrated state. At the same time, experimental feasibility requires the sample preparation process to attain a high sample concentration within the final MAS rotor. We discuss these considerations, and how they have led to a number of different approaches to MAS NMR sample preparation. We describe our experience of how custom-made (or commercially available) ultracentrifugal devices can facilitate a simple, fast and reliable sample preparation process. A number of groups have since adopted such tools, in some cases to prepare samples for sedimentation-style MAS NMR experiments. Here we argue for a more widespread adoption of their use for routine MAS NMR sample preparation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Mandal
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Jennifer C Boatz
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Travis B Wheeler
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260, USA
| | - Patrick C A van der Wel
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Post-translational modification by acetylation regulates the mitochondrial carnitine/acylcarnitine transport protein. Mol Cell Biochem 2016; 426:65-73. [PMID: 27864727 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-016-2881-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The carnitine/acylcarnitine transporter (CACT; SLC25A20) mediates an antiport reaction allowing entry of acyl moieties in the form of acylcarnitines into the mitochondrial matrix and exit of free carnitine. The transport function of CACT is crucial for the β-oxidation pathway. In this work, it has been found that CACT is partially acetylated in rat liver mitochondria as demonstrated by anti-acetyl-lys antibody immunostaining. Acetylation was reversed by the deacetylase Sirtuin 3 in the presence of NAD+. After treatment of the mitochondrial extract with the deacetylase, the CACT activity, assayed in proteoliposomes, increased. The half-saturation constant of the CACT was not influenced, while the V max was increased by deacetylation. Sirtuin 3 was not able to deacetylate the CACT when incubation was performed in intact mitoplasts, indicating that the acetylation sites are located in the mitochondrial matrix. Prediction on the localization of acetylated residues by bioinformatics correlates well with the experimental data. Recombinant CACT treated with acetyl-CoA was partially acetylated by non-enzymatic mechanism with a corresponding decrease of transport activity. The experimental data indicate that acetylation of CACT inhibits its transport activity, and thus may contribute to the regulation of the mitochondrial β-oxidation pathway.
Collapse
|
42
|
Keller J, Looger L. The Oscillating Stimulus Transporter Assay, OSTA: Quantitative Functional Imaging of Transporter Protein Activity in Time and Frequency Domains. Mol Cell 2016; 64:199-212. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
43
|
Intelligent release of cinnamon oil from engineered proteoliposome via stimulation of Bacillus cereus protease. Food Control 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2016.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
44
|
Jørgensen IL, Kemmer GC, Pomorski TG. Membrane protein reconstitution into giant unilamellar vesicles: a review on current techniques. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL: EBJ 2016; 46:103-119. [DOI: 10.1007/s00249-016-1155-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 06/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
45
|
Scalise M, Pochini L, Galluccio M, Indiveri C. Glutamine transport. From energy supply to sensing and beyond. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2016; 1857:1147-1157. [PMID: 26951943 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in plasma and is actively involved in many biosynthetic and regulatory processes. It can be synthesized endogenously but becomes "conditionally essential" in physiological or pathological conditions of high proliferation rate. To accomplish its functions glutamine has to be absorbed and distributed in the whole body. This job is efficiently carried out by a network of membrane transporters that differ in transport mechanisms and energetics, belonging to families SLC1, 6, 7, 38, and possibly, 25. Some of the transporters are involved in glutamine traffic across different membranes for metabolic purposes; others are involved in specific signaling functions through mTOR. Structure/function relationships and regulatory aspects of glutamine transporters are still at infancy. In the while, insights in involvement of these transporters in cell redox control, cancer metabolism and drug interactions are arising, stimulating basic research to uncover molecular mechanisms of transport and regulation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'EBEC 2016: 19th European Bioenergetics Conference, Riva del Garda, Italy, July 2-6, 2016', edited by Prof. Paolo Bernardi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Lorena Pochini
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Michele Galluccio
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Cui H, Li W, Lin L. Bacterial protease-triggered clove oil release from proteoliposomes against S. aureus biofilms on dried soybean curd. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra03363f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to develop a new approach to deliver antimicrobials against bacterial infections by taking advantage of the hydrolysis of protease by casein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiying Cui
- School of Food and Biological Engineering
- Jiangsu University
- Zhenjiang 212013
- China
| | - Wei Li
- School of Food and Biological Engineering
- Jiangsu University
- Zhenjiang 212013
- China
| | - Lin Lin
- School of Food and Biological Engineering
- Jiangsu University
- Zhenjiang 212013
- China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Pochini L, Scalise M, Di Silvestre S, Belviso S, Pandolfi A, Arduini A, Bonomini M, Indiveri C. Acetylcholine and acetylcarnitine transport in peritoneum: Role of the SLC22A4 (OCTN1) transporter. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2015; 1858:653-60. [PMID: 26724204 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2015.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Revised: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
A suitable experimental tool based on proteoliposomes for assaying Organic Cation Transporter Novel member 1 (OCTN1) of peritoneum was pointed out. OCTN1, recently acknowledged as acetylcholine transporter, was immunodetected in rat peritoneum. Transport was assayed following flux of radiolabelled TEA, acetylcholine or acetylcarnitine in proteoliposomes reconstituted with peritoneum extract. OCTN1 mediated, besides TEA, also acetylcholine and a slower acetylcarnitine transport. External sodium inhibited acetylcholine uptake but not its release from proteoliposomes. Differently, sodium did not affect acetylcarnitine uptake. These results suggested that physiologically, acetylcholine should be released while acetylcarnitine was taken up by peritoneum cells. Transport was impaired by OCTN1 inhibitors, butyrobetaine, spermine, and choline. Biotin was also found as acetylcholine transport inhibitor. Anti-OCTN1 antibody specifically inhibited acetylcholine transport confirming the involvement of OCTN1. The transporter was also immunodetected in human mesothelial primary cells. Extract from these cells was reconstituted in proteoliposomes. Transport features very similar to those found with rat peritoneum were observed. Validation of the proteoliposome model for peritoneal transport study was then achieved assaying transport in intact mesothelial cells. TEA, butyrobetaine and Na(+) inhibited acetylcholine transport in intact cells while efflux was Na(+) insensitive. Therefore transport features in intact cells overlapped those found in proteoliposomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Pochini
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, (CS), Italy
| | - Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, (CS), Italy
| | - Sara Di Silvestre
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" CeS.I., Via Luigi Polacchi, 11, 66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefania Belviso
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, (CS), Italy
| | - Assunta Pandolfi
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" CeS.I., Via Luigi Polacchi, 11, 66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Arduino Arduini
- CoreQuest Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, (CS), Italy; Department of Research and Development, CoreQuest Sagl, Tecnopolo, Via Cantonale 18, 6928 Manno, Switzerland
| | - Mario Bonomini
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Nephrology, G. d'Annunzio University, Via dei Vestini, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, (CS), Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
César-Razquin A, Snijder B, Frappier-Brinton T, Isserlin R, Gyimesi G, Bai X, Reithmeier RA, Hepworth D, Hediger MA, Edwards AM, Superti-Furga G. A Call for Systematic Research on Solute Carriers. Cell 2015; 162:478-87. [PMID: 26232220 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2015.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 392] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Solute carrier (SLC) membrane transport proteins control essential physiological functions, including nutrient uptake, ion transport, and waste removal. SLCs interact with several important drugs, and a quarter of the more than 400 SLC genes are associated with human diseases. Yet, compared to other gene families of similar stature, SLCs are relatively understudied. The time is right for a systematic attack on SLC structure, specificity, and function, taking into account kinship and expression, as well as the dependencies that arise from the common metabolic space.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrián César-Razquin
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Berend Snijder
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Ruth Isserlin
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Gergely Gyimesi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and Swiss National Center of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Xiaoyun Bai
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8 Canada
| | | | - David Hepworth
- Worldwide Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Matthias A Hediger
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and Swiss National Center of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Aled M Edwards
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada.
| | - Giulio Superti-Furga
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Napolitano L, Scalise M, Galluccio M, Pochini L, Albanese LM, Indiveri C. LAT1 is the transport competent unit of the LAT1/CD98 heterodimeric amino acid transporter. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2015; 67:25-33. [PMID: 26256001 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Revised: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
LAT1 (SLC7A5) and CD98 (SLC3A2) constitute a heterodimeric transmembrane protein complex that catalyzes amino acid transport. Whether one or both subunits are competent for transport is still unclear. The present work aims to solve this question using different experimental strategies. Firstly, LAT1 and CD98 were immuno-detected in protein extracts from SiHa cells. Under oxidizing conditions, i.e., without addition of SH (thiol) reducing agent DTE, both proteins were revealed as a 120kDa major band. Upon DTE treatment separated bands, corresponding to LAT1(35kDa) or CD98(80kDa), were detected. LAT1 function was evaluated in intact cells as BCH sensitive [(3)H]His transport inhibited by hydrophobic amino acids. Antiport of [(3)H]His was measured in proteoliposomes reconstituted with SiHa cell extract in presence of internal His. Transport was increased by DTE. Hydrophobic amino acids were best inhibitors in addition to hydrophilic Tyr, Gln, Asn and Lys. Cys, Tyr and Gln, included in the intraliposomal space, were transported in antiport with external [(3)H]His. Similar experiments were performed in proteoliposomes reconstituted with the recombinant purified hLAT1. Results overlapping those obtained with native protein were achieved. Lower transport of [(3)H]Leu and [(3)H]Gln with respect to [(3)H]His was detected. Kinetic asymmetry was found with external Km for His lower than internal one. No transport was detected in proteoliposomes reconstituted with recombinant hCD98. The experimental data demonstrate that LAT1 is the sole transport competent subunit of the heterodimer. This conclusion has important outcome for following studies on functional characterization and identification of specific inhibitors with potential application in human therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Napolitano
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Michele Galluccio
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Lorena Pochini
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Leticia Maria Albanese
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Via Bucci 4C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Galluccio M, Pochini L, Peta V, Iannì M, Scalise M, Indiveri C. Functional and molecular effects of mercury compounds on the human OCTN1 cation transporter: C50 and C136 are the targets for potent inhibition. Toxicol Sci 2014; 144:105-13. [PMID: 25490951 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfu259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The effect of mercury compounds has been tested on the organic cation transporter, hOCTN1. MeHg(+), Hg(2+), or Cd(2+) caused strong inhibition of transport. 1,4-Dithioerythritol (DTE), cysteine (Cys), and N-acetyl-l-cysteine reversed (NAC) the inhibition at different extents. 2-Aminoethyl methanethiosulfonate hydrobromide (MTSEA), a prototype SH reagent, exerted inhibition of transport similar to that observed for the mercurial agents. To investigate the mechanism of action of mercurials, mutants of hOCTN1 in which each of the Cys residues was substituted by Ala have been constructed, over-expressed in Escherichia coli, and purified. Tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) uptake mediated by each mutant in proteoliposomes was comparable to that of wild type (WT). IC50 values of the WT and mutants for the mercury compounds were derived from dose-response analyses. The mutants C50A and C136A showed significant increase of IC50 indicating that the 2 Cys residues were involved in the interaction with the mercury compounds and inhibition of the transporter. The double mutant C50A/C136A was constructed; the lack of inhibition confirmed that the 2 Cys residues are the targets of mercury compounds. MTSEA showed similar behavior with respect to the mercurial reagents with the difference that increased IC50 was observed also in the C81A mutant. Similar results were obtained when transport was measured as acetylcholine uptake. Ethyl mercury (Thimerosal) inhibited hOCTN1 as well. C50A, C50A/C136A and, at very lower extent, C136A showed increased IC50 indicating that C50 was the major target of this mercury compound. The homology model of hOCTN1 was built using as template PiPT and validated by the experimental data on mutant proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Galluccio
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Via Bucci 4C, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Lorena Pochini
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Via Bucci 4C, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Valentina Peta
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Via Bucci 4C, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Maria Iannì
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Via Bucci 4C, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Via Bucci 4C, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra) Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Via Bucci 4C, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| |
Collapse
|