蛋白4.1基因家族的研究进展

近几年,先后发现了三种与红细胞中的4.1蛋白同源性很高的蛋白质,这四种蛋白质都具有三个功能性结构域,即膜结合结构域,血影蛋白-肌动蛋白结合结构域和羧基端结构域.而且除了已知的在细胞膜物理和生理特性维持方面的重要作用外,4.1蛋白还与有丝分裂以及神经突触的形成有关.     

蛋白4.1家族在神经系统中的研究进展

蛋白4.1家族是细胞骨架蛋白,包括4.1N、4.1B、4.1G和4.1R四个成员,含有膜结合结构域、血影蛋白-肌动蛋白结合结构域和C端结构域3个高度保守的结构和功能域。蛋白4.1家族在人体包括神经系统等多种组织中表达。对蛋白4.1家族在神经系统Ca2+信号转导、受体通道定位与转运、髓鞘等多种重要结构形成中的重要作用进行综述。近来,蛋白4.1家族发挥抑癌基因作用也引起了广泛关注。     

细胞膜蛋白与细胞骨架蛋白相互作用研究进展

细胞膜蛋白与胞浆骨架蛋白的相互作用对于维持细胞正常形态,细胞粘附与信号传导有重要作用,含有4.1/JEF结构域的蛋白4.1超家族与含有PDZ结构域的MAGUK蛋白家族能结合多种膜蛋白胞内区与胞浆蛋白,在膜蛋白与胞浆蛋白之间建立联系,对于细胞、细胞-细胞间连接的正常结构与功能的维持有着重要作用。     

细胞膜蛋白与细胞骨架蛋白相互作用研究进展

细胞膜蛋白与胞浆骨架蛋白的相互作用对于维持细胞正常形态 ,细胞粘附与信号传导有重要作用。含有 4 .1 JEF结构域的蛋白 4 .1超家族与含有PDZ结构域的MAGUK蛋白家族能结合多种膜蛋白胞内区与胞浆蛋白 ,在膜蛋白与胞浆蛋白之间建立联系 ,对于细胞、细胞 -细胞间连接的正常结构与功能的维持有着重要作用。     

伪狂犬病毒VP22蛋白C-端系列缺失突变体的构建及亚细胞定位分析

以绿荧光蛋白(GFP)为标记,构建了一系列伪狂犬病毒VP22蛋白的C-端缺失突变体与GFP融合表达的真核表达质粒,脂质体介导转染Hela细胞,通过荧光显微镜观察分析各个缺失突变体的亚细胞定位,发现伪狂犬病毒VP22蛋白与核定位有关的结构域在第60个到第90个氨基酸残基之间,第111个到第159个氨基酸残基有可能与形成细胞核内的颗粒有关,与微管蛋白结合有关的结构域可能在第187到第241个氨基酸残基之间.上述研究结果为进一步深入研究伪狂犬病毒VP22蛋白的结构与功能奠定了基础.     

伪狂犬病毒VP22蛋白C-端系列缺失突变体的构建及亚细胞定位分析

以绿荧光蛋白(GFP)为标记,构建了一系列伪狂犬病毒VP22蛋白的C-端缺失突变体与GFP融合表达的真核表达质粒,脂质体介导转染Hela细胞,通过荧光显微镜观察分析各个缺失突变体的亚细胞定位,发现伪狂犬病毒VP22蛋白与核定位有关的结构域在第60个到第90个氨基酸残基之间,第111个到第159个氨基酸残基有可能与形成细胞核内的颗粒有关,与微管蛋白结合有关的结构域可能在第187到第241个氨基酸残基之间。上述研究结果为进一步深入研究伪狂犬病毒VP22蛋白的结构与功能奠定了基础。     

早幼粒细胞白血病基因结构域诱饵载体的构建及鉴定

目的研究早幼粒细胞白血病基因（promyelocytic leukemia,PML）中含环指／B—BOX结构与含coiled—coil结构的两个结构域的功能,构建含其结构域序列的诱饵表达载体,为进一步应用酵母双杂交系统筛选与之相互作用的蛋白建立实验基础。方法PCR扩增PML的两个结构域序列,克隆人诱饵载体pG—BKT7中,经测序鉴定后,将诱饵载体转化到酵母细胞AH109中,检测诱饵蛋白有无毒性,渗漏和自激活作用,同时利用蛋白印迹法分析诱饵蛋白的表达。结果成功扩增了PML两个结构域的基因片段,并正确克隆入pGBKT7中。诱饵载体成功转化到酵母细胞AH109中,其中一个诱饵蛋白BD—PML—B无毒性,但具有渗漏和自激活作用,另一个诱饵蛋白BD—PML—C无毒性,渗漏和自激活作用,蛋白印迹法分析证实酵母细胞表达诱饵蛋白。结论含环指／B—BOX的结构域具有转录因子活性,全长PML的转录活性与之有关;成功构建了含coiled—coil结构的PML结合域的酵母诱饵表达载体,为运用酵母双杂交技术筛选与之作用的蛋白并探讨其功能奠定了基础。     

SND1蛋白与HuR蛋白相互结合作用

人源SND1(staphylococcal nuclease domain containing 1)蛋白由N端的SN(staphylococcal nucleases)结构域和C端的TSN(Tudor-SN5)结构域组成,其中SN结构域又包含SN1~SN4四个重复的功能片段.本课题组前期研究结果表明,SND1蛋白可以通过SN结构域与G3BP(Ras-GAP SH3 domain-binding protein)蛋白相互结合,共同参与细胞应激颗粒(stress granules,SGs)的形成.SGs是真核细胞在受到氧化应激、病毒感染等外界刺激时在胞浆内形成的与RNA代谢相关的颗粒状结构.对于SGs的成分鉴定及相互作用的分析一直是学者们研究的热点.本研究中,免疫共沉淀实验结果表明,以抗SND1抗体可以共沉淀出HeLa细胞内另一个重要的应激相关人类抗原R(human antigen R,HuR)蛋白.另外,利用脂质体转染法将pcDNA3-FLAG-HuR重组质粒瞬时转染入HeLa细胞,成功过表达外源性的FLAG-HuR融合蛋白,再以抗FLAG标签抗体又可以反向共沉淀出内源性SND1蛋白,证明SND1与HuR之间存在蛋白质间的相互结合作用.细胞免疫荧光实验结果表明,当给予HeLa细胞0.5 mmol/L亚砷酸钠氧化应激时,SND1与HuR蛋白共同定位于胞浆中的SGs结构中.GST-pulldown实验结果进一步表明截短的SN结构域可以结合HuR蛋白,其中以SN1功能片段的结合能力最强,表明SND1蛋白是通过SN结构域与HuR蛋白形成应激复合物,参与SGs的胞浆组装.并不定位于SGs的TSN结构域亦可结合HuR蛋白,提示SND1-HuR的蛋白相互作用可能并不局限于SGs,具有其它方面的功能意义.     

4.1N与相关蛋白质相互作用研究进展

蛋白4.1N是细胞骨架蛋白4.1家族的一员,具有保守的血影蛋白-肌动蛋白结合结构域、羧基端结构域、膜结合结构域及其相邻的调节结构域。本文综述4.1N与受体蛋白及其他特定蛋白质分子的相互作用研究情况,表明4.1N对细胞和机体正常生理、生命活动具有重要意义。     

FHL2转录激活结构域的定位

LIM蛋白家族成员FHL2 (fourandhalfLIMdomainprotein)在转录调节、细胞凋亡及肿瘤的发生发展中都起着重要作用。利用GAL4转录因子中的DNA结合结构域 (DBD)和含有与DBD结合序列的荧光素酶报告基因(GAL4 LUC)构建了哺乳动物细胞转录激活系统 ,并利用该系统定位了FHL2的转录激活结构域。首先将GAL4 DBD序列以正确读框插入到pcDNA3载体的多克隆位点中 ,构建成真核表达载体pDBD ,再将野生型FHL2及其不同片段以正确读框与pDBD中GAL4 DBD序列融合 ,构建成野生型FHL2及其缺失突变体表达载体。将这些表达载体分别瞬时转染 2 93T胚胎肾细胞 ,野生型FHL2及其缺失突变体都得到了表达。利用GAL4 荧光素酶报告基因对野生型FHL2及其不同突变体的转录激活活性检测表明 ,在 2 93T胚胎肾细胞和乳腺癌MCF 7细胞中 ,野生型FHL2具有转录激活活性 ,缺失N端半个LIM结构域使FHL2转录激活活性降低 ,缺失C末端第二个LIM结构域对FHL2的转录激活功能影响不大 ,缺失C末端最后一个LIM结构域则使FHL2的转录激活功能完全丧失 ,而C末端缺失 2个LIM结构域使FHL2转录激活活性又有所恢复。这说明FHL2C末端最后一个LIM结构域对其转录激活功能是必需的 ,而C末端第二个LIM结构域可能对FHL2的转录激活功能有负调控作用 ,这种负调控作用取决于     

The neurofibromatosis-2 homologue, Merlin, and the tumor suppressor expanded function together in Drosophila to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation

Neurofibromatosis-2 is an inherited disorder characterized by the development of benign schwannomas and other Schwann-cell-derived tumors associated with the central nervous system. The Neurofibromatosis-2 tumor suppressor gene encodes Merlin, a member of the Protein 4.1 superfamily most closely related to Ezrin, Radixin and Moesin. This discovery suggested a novel function for Protein 4.1 family members in the regulation of cell proliferation; proteins in this family were previously thought to function primarily to link transmembrane proteins to underlying cortical actin. To understand the basic cellular functions of Merlin, we are investigating a Drosophila Neurofibromatosis-2 homologue, Merlin. Loss of Merlin function in Drosophila results in hyperplasia of the affected tissue without significant disruptions in differentiation. Similar phenotypes have been observed for mutations in another Protein 4.1 superfamily member in Drosophila, expanded. Because of the phenotypic and structural similarities between Merlin and expanded, we asked whether Merlin and Expanded function together to regulate cell proliferation. In this study, we demonstrate that recessive loss of function of either Merlin or expanded can dominantly enhance the phenotypes associated with mutations in the other. Consistent with this genetic interaction, we determined that Merlin and Expanded colocalize in Drosophila tissues and cells, and physically interact through a conserved N-terminal region of Expanded, characteristic of the Protein 4.1 family, and the C-terminal domain of Merlin. Loss of function of both Merlin and expanded in clones revealed that these proteins function to regulate differentiation in addition to proliferation in Drosophila. Further genetic analyses suggest a role for Merlin and Expanded specifically in Decapentaplegic-mediated differentiation events. These results indicate that Merlin and Expanded function together to regulate proliferation and differentiation, and have implications for understanding the functions of other Protein 4.1 superfamily members.     

Protein 4.1R links E-cadherin/β-catenin complex to the cytoskeleton through its direct interaction with β-catenin and modulates adherens junction integrity

Protein 4.1R (4.1R) is the prototypical member of the protein 4.1 superfamily comprising of the protein 4.1 family (4.1R, 4.1B, 4.1G and 4.1N) and ERM family (ezrin, radixin and meosin). These proteins in general serve as adaptors between the membrane and the cytoskeleton. Here we show that 4.1R expressed in the gastric epithelial cells associates with adherens junction protein β-catenin. Biochemical examination of 4.1R-deficient stomach epithelia revealed a selective reduction of β-catenin which is accompanied by a weaker linkage of E-cadherin to the cytoskeleton. In addition, organization of actin cytoskeleton was altered in 4.1R-deficient cells. Moreover, histological examination revealed that cell-cell contacts are impaired and gastric glands are disorganized in 4.1R null stomach epithelia. These results demonstrate an important and previously unidentified role of 4.1R in linking the cadherin/catenin complex to the cytoskeleton through its direct interaction with β-catenin and in regulating the integrity of adherens junction.     

4．1B蛋白表达与非小细胞肺癌进展的关系

目的：探讨4．1B蛋白表达与非小细胞肺癌（NSCLC）进展的关系。方法：收集166例临床手术切除、石蜡包埋的原发NSCLC组织,免疫组化检测4．1B蛋白表达,分析其与NSCLC进展的关系。结果：26例4．1B蛋白表达于细胞膜上。69例4．1B蛋白表达缺失,71例胞浆表达。包括胞浆表迭在内,4．1B蛋白异常表达率为84．34％。肿瘤最大直径≤3cm组、未转移组、临床分期I和II期组4．1B蛋白胞膜表达阳性率分别高于肿瘤最大直径〉3cm组、转移组、III和Ⅳ期组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．0．1）,但4．1B细胞浆表达阳性率在各组间差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论：在NSCLC组织内,4．1B蛋白存在表达缺失现象,也存在异常定位现象。表达于细胞膜的4．1B蛋白在NSCLC发展过程中可能发挥抑制作用,其表达缺失可能促进肿瘤进展。     

Immunolocalization of protein 4.1B/DAL-1 during neoplastic transformation of mouse and human intestinal epithelium

Recently, we have reported that the protein 4.1B immunolocalization occurred only in matured columnar epithelial cells of normal rat intestines. This finding suggested that protein 4.1B expression could be examined for a possible change during neoplastic transformation of the intestinal mucosa. In the present study, we first present the distribution of mouse protein 4.1B in normal intestinal epithelial cells and tumor cells using the adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc) mutant mouse model. A low level of protein 4.1B expression coincided with the phenotypic transition to carcinoma. To examine the protein 4.1B expression in human intestinal mucosa, we used another antibody against an isoform of the human protein 4.1B, DAL-1 (differentially expressed adenocarcinoma of the lung). Human DAL-1 was also expressed in matured epithelial cells in human colons, with a definite expression gradient along the crypt axis. In human colorectal cancer cells, however, DAL-1 expression was not detected. These results suggest that mouse protein 4.1B and human DAL-1 might have a striking analogy of functions, which may be integrally involved in epithelial proliferation. We propose that loss of protein 4.1B/DAL-1 expression might be a marker of intestinal tumors, indicative of a tumor suppressor function in the intestinal mucosa.     

Intrasplicing coordinates alternative first exons with alternative splicing in the protein 4.1R gene

In the protein 4.1R gene, alternative first exons splice differentially to alternative 3' splice sites far downstream in exon 2'/2 (E2'/2). We describe a novel intrasplicing mechanism by which exon 1A (E1A) splices exclusively to the distal E2'/2 acceptor via two nested splicing reactions regulated by novel properties of exon 1B (E1B). E1B behaves as an exon in the first step, using its consensus 5' donor to splice to the proximal E2'/2 acceptor. A long region of downstream intron is excised, juxtaposing E1B with E2'/2 to generate a new composite acceptor containing the E1B branchpoint/pyrimidine tract and E2 distal 3' AG-dinucleotide. Next, the upstream E1A splices over E1B to this distal acceptor, excising the remaining intron plus E1B and E2' to form mature E1A/E2 product. We mapped branchpoints for both intrasplicing reactions and demonstrated that mutation of the E1B 5' splice site or branchpoint abrogates intrasplicing. In the 4.1R gene, intrasplicing ultimately determines N-terminal protein structure and function. More generally, intrasplicing represents a new mechanism by which alternative promoters can be coordinated with downstream alternative splicing.     

Two different unique cardiac isoforms of protein 4.1R in zebrafish, Danio rerio, and insights into their cardiac functions as related to their unique structures

Protein 4.1R (4.1R) has been identified as the major component of the human erythrocyte membrane skeleton. The members of the protein 4.1 gene family are expressed in a tissue-specific alternative splicing manner that increases their functions in each tissue; however, the exact roles of cardiac 4.1R in the developing myocardium are poorly understood. In zebrafish (ZF), we identified two heart-specific 4.1R isoforms, ZF4.1RH2 and ZF4.1RH3, encoding N-terminal 30 kDa (FERM) domain and spectrin-actin binding domain (SABD) and C-terminal domain (CTD), separately. Applying immunohistochemistry using specific antibodies for 30 kDa domain and CTD separately, the gene product of ZF4.1RH2 and ZF4.1RH3 appeared only in the ventricle and in the atrium, respectively, in mature hearts. During embryogenesis, both gene expressions are expressed starting 24 h post-fertilization (hpf). Following whole-mount in situ hybridization, ZF4.1RH3 gene expression was detected in the atrium of 37 hpf embryos. These results indicate that the gene product of ZF4.1RH3 is essential for normal morphological shape of the developing heart and to support the repetitive cycles of its muscle contraction and relaxation.     

Shedding light on Merlin's wizardry

Inactivation of the tumor suppressor Merlin, encoded by the NF2 (Neurofibromatosis type 2) gene, contributes to malignant conversion in many cell types. Merlin is an Ezrin-Radixin-Moesin protein and localizes underneath the plasma membrane at cell-cell junctions and other actin-rich sites. Recent studies indicate that Merlin mediates contact inhibition of proliferation by blocking recruitment of Rac to the plasma membrane. In mitogen-stimulated cells, p21-activated kinase phosphorylates Ser518 in the C-terminus of Merlin, inactivating the growth suppressive function of the protein. Furthermore, the myosin phosphatase MYPT1-PP1delta, has been identified as a direct activator of Merlin and its inhibition has been linked to malignant transformation. Finally, studies in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster have revealed that Merlin functions together with the band 4.1 protein Expanded to promote [corrected] the endocytosis of many signaling receptors, limiting [corrected] their accumulation at the plasma membrane, and to activate [corrected] the Hippo signaling pathway. Here, we review these recent findings and their relevance to the tumor suppressor function of Merlin.     

A nonerythroid isoform of protein 4.1R interacts with the nuclear mitotic apparatus (NuMA) protein

Red blood cell protein 4.1 (4.1R) is an 80- kD erythrocyte phosphoprotein that stabilizes the spectrin/actin cytoskeleton. In nonerythroid cells, multiple 4.1R isoforms arise from a single gene by alternative splicing and predominantly code for a 135-kD isoform. This isoform contains a 209 amino acid extension at its NH2 terminus (head piece; HP). Immunoreactive epitopes specific for HP have been detected within the cell nucleus, nuclear matrix, centrosomes, and parts of the mitotic apparatus in dividing cells. Using a yeast two-hybrid system, in vitro binding assays, coimmunolocalization, and coimmunoprecipitation studies, we show that a 135-kD 4.1R isoform specifically interacts with the nuclear mitotic apparatus (NuMA) protein. NuMA and 4.1R partially colocalize in the interphase nucleus of MDCK cells and redistribute to the spindle poles early in mitosis. Protein 4.1R associates with NuMA in the interphase nucleus and forms a complex with spindle pole organizing proteins, NuMA, dynein, and dynactin during cell division. Overexpression of a 135-kD isoform of 4.1R alters the normal distribution of NuMA in the interphase nucleus. The minimal sequence sufficient for this interaction has been mapped to the amino acids encoded by exons 20 and 21 of 4.1R and residues 1788-1810 of NuMA. Our results not only suggest that 4.1R could, possibly, play an important role in organizing the nuclear architecture, mitotic spindle, and spindle poles, but also could define a novel role for its 22-24-kD domain.     

Band 4.1 proteins regulate integrin-dependent cell spreading

Integrins link the extracellular matrix (ECM) to the cytoskeleton to control cell behaviors including adhesion, spreading and migration. Band 4.1 proteins contain 4.1, ezrin, radixin, moesin (FERM) domains that likely mediate signaling events and cytoskeletal reorganization via integrins. However, the mechanisms by which Band 4.1 proteins and integrins are functionally interconnected remain enigmatic. Here we have investigated roles for Band 4.1 proteins in integrin-mediated cell spreading using primary astrocytes as a model system. We demonstrate that Proteins 4.1B and 4.1G show dynamic patterns of sub-cellular localization in astrocytes spreading on fibronectin. During early stages of cell spreading Proteins 4.1B and 4.1G are enriched in ECM adhesion sites but become more diffusely localized at later stages of spreading. Combinatorial inactivation of Protein 4.1B and 4.1G expression leads to impaired astrocyte spreading. Furthermore, in exogenous expression systems we show that the isolated Protein 4.1 FERM domain significantly enhances integrin-mediated cell spreading. Protein 4.1B is dispensable for reactive astrogliosis in experimental models of cortical injury, likely due to functional compensation by related Protein 4.1 family members. Collectively, these findings reveal that Band 4.1 proteins are important intracellular components for integrin-mediated cell spreading.