Identification of HSP90 as a new GABARAPL1 (GEC1)-interacting protein

GABARAPL1 belongs to the small family of GABARAP proteins (including GABARAP, GABARAPL1 and GABARAPL2/GATE-16), one of the two subfamilies of the yeast Atg8 orthologue. GABARAPL1 is involved in the intracellular transport of receptors, via an interaction with tubulin and GABA(A) or kappa opioid receptors, and also participates in autophagy and cell proliferation. In the present study, we identify the HSP90 protein as a novel interaction partner for GABARAPL1 using GST pull-down, mass spectrometry and coimmunoprecipitation experiments. GABARAPL1 and HSP90 partially colocalize in MCF-7 breast cancer cells overexpressed Dsred-GABARAPL1 and in rat brain. Moreover, treatment of MCF-7 cells overexpressed FLAG-GABARAPL1-6HIS with the HSP90 inhibitor 17-AAG promotes the GABARAPL1 degradation, a process that is blocked by proteasome inhibitors such as MG132, bortezomib and lactacystin. Accordingly, we demonstrate that HSP90 interacts and protects GABARAPL1 from its degradation by the proteasome.     

A Detailed, Hierarchical Study of Giardia lamblia's Ventral Disc Reveals Novel Microtubule-Associated Protein Complexes

Giardia lamblia is a flagellated, unicellular parasite of mammals infecting over one billion people worldwide. Giardia''s two-stage life cycle includes a motile trophozoite stage that colonizes the host small intestine and an infectious cyst form that can persist in the environment. Similar to many eukaryotic cells, Giardia contains several complex microtubule arrays that are involved in motility, chromosome segregation, organelle transport, maintenance of cell shape and transformation between the two life cycle stages. Giardia trophozoites also possess a unique spiral microtubule array, the ventral disc, made of approximately 50 parallel microtubules and associated microribbons, as well as a variety of associated proteins. The ventral disc maintains trophozoite attachment to the host intestinal epithelium. With the help of a combined SEM/microtome based slice and view method called 3View® (Gatan Inc., Pleasanton, CA), we present an entire trophozoite cell reconstruction and describe the arrangement of the major cytoskeletal elements. To aid in future analyses of disc-mediated attachment, we used electron-tomography of freeze-substituted, plastic-embedded trophozoites to explore the detailed architecture of ventral disc microtubules and their associated components. Lastly, we examined the disc microtubule array in three dimensions in unprecedented detail using cryo-electron tomography combined with internal sub-tomogram volume averaging of repetitive domains. We discovered details of protein complexes stabilizing microtubules by attachment to their inner and outer wall. A unique tri-laminar microribbon structure is attached vertically to the disc microtubules and is connected to neighboring microribbons via crossbridges. This work provides novel insight into the structure of the ventral disc microtubules, microribbons and associated proteins. Knowledge of the components comprising these structures and their three-dimensional organization is crucial toward understanding how attachment via the ventral disc occurs in vivo.     

Identification of in vivo HSP90-interacting proteins reveals modularity of HSP90 complexes is dependent on the environment in psychrophilic bacteria

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is a conserved molecular chaperone that functions as part of complexes in which different client proteins target it to diverse sets of substrates. In this paper, HSP90 complexes were investigated in γ-proteobacteria from mild (Shewanella oneidensis) and cold environments (Shewanella frigidimarina and Psychrobacter frigidicola), to determine changes in HSP90 interactions with client proteins in response to the adaptation to cold environments. HSP90 participation in cold adaptation was determined using the specific inhibitor 17-allylamino-geldanamycin. Then, HSP90 was immunoprecipitated from bacterial cultures, and the proteins in HSP90 complexes were analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. According to HSP90-associated protein analysis, only 15 common proteins were found in both species from the same genus, S. oneidensis and S. frigidimarina, whereas a significant higher number of common proteins were found in both psychrophilic species S. frigidimarina and P. frigidicola 21 (p < 0.001). Only two HSP90-interacting proteins, the chaperone proteins DnaK and GroEL, were common to the three species. Interestingly, some proteins related to energy metabolism (isocitrate lyase, succinyl-CoA synthetase, alcohol dehydrogenase, NAD(+) synthase, and malate dehydrogenase) and some translation factors only interacted with HSP90 in psychrophilic bacteria. We can conclude that HSP90 and HSP90-associated proteins might take part in the mechanism of adaptation to cold environments, and interestingly, organisms living in similar environments conserve similar potential HSP90 interactors in opposition to phylogenetically closely related organisms of the same genus but from different environments.     

Proteomic interrogation of HSP90 and insights for medical research

Introduction: Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) regulates protein homeostasis in eukaryotes. As a ‘professional interactor’, HSP90 binds to and chaperones many proteins and has both housekeeping and disease-related functions but its regulation remains in part elusive. HSP90 complexes are a target for therapy, notably against cancer, and several inhibitors are currently in clinical trials. Proteomic studies have revealed the vast interaction network of HSP90 and, in doing so, the extent of cellular processes the chaperone takes part in, especially in yeast and human cells. Furthermore, small-molecule inhibitors were used to probe the global impact of its inhibition on the proteome.

Areas covered: We review here recent HSP90-related interactomics and total proteome studies and their relevance for research on cancer, neurodegenerative and pathogen diseases.

Expert commentary: Proteomics experiments are our best chance to identify the context-dependent global proteome of HSP90 and thus uncover and understand its disease-specific biology. However, understanding the complexity of HSP90 will require multiple complementary, quantitative approaches and novel bioinformatics to translate interactions into ordered functional networks and pathways. Developing therapies will necessitate more knowledge on HSP90 complexes and networks with disease relevance and on total proteome changes induced by their perturbation. Most work has been done in cancer, thus a lot remains to be done in the context of other diseases.     

A Proteomic Strategy for Global Analysis of Plant Protein Complexes

Global analyses of protein complex assembly, composition, and location are needed to fully understand how cells coordinate diverse metabolic, mechanical, and developmental activities. The most common methods for proteome-wide analysis of protein complexes rely on affinity purification-mass spectrometry or yeast two-hybrid approaches. These methods are time consuming and are not suitable for many plant species that are refractory to transformation or genome-wide cloning of open reading frames. Here, we describe the proof of concept for a method allowing simultaneous global analysis of endogenous protein complexes that begins with intact leaves and combines chromatographic separation of extracts from subcellular fractions with quantitative label-free protein abundance profiling by liquid chromatography-coupled mass spectrometry. Applying this approach to the crude cytosolic fraction of Arabidopsis thaliana leaves using size exclusion chromatography, we identified hundreds of cytosolic proteins that appeared to exist as components of stable protein complexes. The reliability of the method was validated by protein immunoblot analysis and comparisons with published size exclusion chromatography data and the masses of known complexes. The method can be implemented with appropriate instrumentation, is applicable to any biological system, and has the potential to be further developed to characterize the composition of protein complexes and measure the dynamics of protein complex localization and assembly under different conditions.     

The anti-myeloma activity of a novel purine scaffold HSP90 inhibitor PU-H71 is via inhibition of both HSP90A and HSP90B1

Background

The ribonucleotide reductase M1 (RRM1) gene encodes the regulatory subunit of ribonucleotide reductase, the molecular target of gemcitabine. The overexpression of RRM1 mRNA in tumor tissues is reported to be associated with gemcitabine resistance. Thus, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the RRM1 gene are potential biomarkers of the response to gemcitabine chemotherapy. We investigated whether RRM1 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or SNPs were associated with clinical outcome after gemcitabine-based chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods

PBMC samples were obtained from 62 stage IIIB and IV patients treated with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. RRM1 mRNA expression levels were assessed by real-time PCR. Three RRM1 SNPs, -37C→A, 2455A→G and 2464G→A, were assessed by direct sequencing.

Results

RRM1 expression was detectable in 57 PBMC samples, and SNPs were sequenced in 56 samples. The overall response rate to gemcitabine was 18%; there was no significant association between RRM1 mRNA expression and response rate (P = 0.560). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 23.3 weeks in the lower expression group and 26.9 weeks in the higher expression group (P = 0.659). For the -37C→A polymorphism, the median PFS was 30.7 weeks in the C(-)37A group, 24.7 weeks in the A(-)37A group, and 23.3 weeks in the C(-)37C group (P = 0.043). No significant difference in PFS was observed for the SNP 2455A→G or 2464G→A.

Conclusions

The RRM1 polymorphism -37C→A correlated with PFS in NSCLC patients treated with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. No significant correlation was found between PBMC RRM1 mRNA expression and the efficacy of gemcitabine.     

Identification of vibsanin A analog as a novel HSP90 inhibitor

Vibsanin A is the first natural product isolated from Viburnum awabuki and has several biological activities. We have reported that a vibsanin A analog, obtained from process of total synthesis of vibsanin A, has anti-proliferative activity against human cancer cell lines. In this study, we evaluated anti-proliferative effect of the vibsanin A analogs against various human cancer cell lines and examined molecular target of the analog in human cells. Among the vibsanin A analogs, vibsanin A analog C (VAC) showed anti-proliferative effect against various cancer cell lines, and the anti-proliferative activity was strongest among the vibsanin A analogs. Additionally, VAC fluctuated amounts of HSP90-related proteins in cells and inhibited HSP90-mediated protein refolding of luciferase in vitro. These results suggest that the anti-proliferative activity of VAC is due to HSP90 inhibition, and VAC has a potential as novel anti-cancer drug as HSP90 inhibitor.     

Identification of Mixed Lineage Leukemia 1(MLL1) Protein as a Coactivator of Heat Shock Factor 1(HSF1) Protein in Response to Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) Inhibition

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) inhibition inhibits cancer cell proliferation through depleting client oncoproteins and shutting down multiple oncogenic pathways. Therefore, it is an attractive strategy for targeting human cancers. Several HSP90 inhibitors, including AUY922 and STA9090, show promising effects in clinical trials. However, the efficacy of HSP90 inhibitors may be limited by heat shock factor 1 (HSF1)-mediated feedback mechanisms. Here, we identify, through an siRNA screen, that the histone H3 lysine 4 methyltransferase MLL1 functions as a coactivator of HSF1 in response to HSP90 inhibition. MLL1 is recruited to the promoters of HSF1 target genes and regulates their expression in response to HSP90 inhibition. In addition, a striking combination effect is observed when MLL1 depletion is combined with HSP90 inhibition in various human cancer cell lines and tumor models. Thus, targeting MLL1 may block a HSF1-mediated feedback mechanism induced by HSP90 inhibition and provide a new avenue to enhance HSP90 inhibitor activity in human cancers.     

BRCA1相互作用蛋白的分离及鉴定

乳腺癌易感基因(breast cancer susceptibility gene-1,BRCAl)在DNA损伤修复、细胞周期调控、染色质的稳定、基因转录激活以及细胞凋亡等方面起着重要作用。BRCAI C-末端是富含酸性氨基酸的转录激活结构域(AD),AD核心结构为两个串联的BRCT结构域(BRCTl和BRCT2)。应用酵母双杂交技术,以BRCT2为诱饵蛋白,从卵巢文库中筛选到了与BRCT2结构域相互作用蛋白FHL2(four and half LIM domains)。利用酵母交配的方法证明FHL2与BRCAlBRCT2特异结合,而不与BRCAl BRCTl、Rapl BRCT结构域结合。GST沉淀实验表明,FHL2在体外特异地与BRCT2结构域相结合;免疫共沉淀实验表明,FHL2在体内特异地与BRCT2结构域结合;FHL2可与全长BRCAl结合。BRCAl与FHL2相互作用的发现为研究BRCAl以及FHL2在肿瘤发生、发展中的作用打下了坚实的基础。     

Proteomic identification of PSF and p54(nrb) as TopBP1-interacting proteins

TopBP1 is a BRCT domain-rich protein that is structurally and functionally conserved throughout eukaryotic organisms. It is required for the initiation of DNA replication and for DNA repair and damage signalling. To further dissect its biological functions, we explored TopBP1-interacting proteins by co-immunoprecipitation assays and LC-ESI-MS-analyses. As TopBP1 binding partners we identified p54(nrb) and PSF, and confirmed the physical interactions by GST pull-down assays, co-immunoprecipitations and by yeast two-hybrid experiments. Recent evidence shows an involvement of p54(nrb) and PSF in DNA double-strand break repair (DSB) and radioresistance. To get a first picture of the physiological significance of the interaction of TopBP1 with p54(nrb) and PSF we investigated in real time the spatiotemporal behaviour of the three proteins after laser microirradiation of living cells. Localisation of TopBP1 at damage sites was noticed as early as 5 s following damage induction, whereas p54(nrb) and PSF localised there after 20 s. Both p54(nrb) and PSF disappeared after 20 s while TopBP1 was retained at damage sites significantly longer suggesting different functions of the proteins during DSB recognition and repair.     

Phosphoproteome Profiling of Isogenic Cancer Cell‐Derived Exosome Reveals HSP90 as a Potential Marker for Human Cholangiocarcinoma

The northeastern region of Thailand is well known to have a high incidence and mortality of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Protein phosphorylation status has been reported to reflect a key determinant of cellular physiology, but identification of phosphoproteins can be a problem due to the presence of phosphatase. Exosomes are stable toward circulating proteases and other enzymes in human blood and can be recognized before the onset of cancer progression. Here an in vitro metastatic model of isogenic CCA cells is used to provide insight into the phosphorylation levels of exosomal proteins derived from highly invasive cells. Gel‐based and gel‐free proteomics approaches are used to reveal the proteins differentially phosphorylated in relation to tumor cell phenotypes. Forty‐three phosphoproteins are identified with a significant change in phosphorylation level. Phos‐tag western blotting and immunohistochemistry staining are then employed to validate the candidate phosphoproteins. Heat shock protein 90 is successfully confirmed as being differentially phosphorylated in relation to tumor malignancy. Importantly, the aberrant phosphorylation of exosomal proteins might serve as a promising tool for the development of a biomarker for metastatic CCA.     

Targeted Deletion of Fibrinogen Like Protein 1 Reveals a Novel Role in Energy Substrate Utilization

Fibrinogen like protein 1(Fgl1) is a secreted protein with mitogenic activity on primary hepatocytes. Fgl1 is expressed in the liver and its expression is enhanced following acute liver injury. In animals with acute liver failure, administration of recombinant Fgl1 results in decreased mortality supporting the notion that Fgl1 stimulates hepatocyte proliferation and/or protects hepatocytes from injury. However, because Fgl1 is secreted and detected in the plasma, it is possible that the role of Fgl1 extends far beyond its effect on hepatocytes. In this study, we show that Fgl1 is additionally expressed in brown adipose tissue. We find that signals elaborated following liver injury also enhance the expression of Fgl1 in brown adipose tissue suggesting that there is a cross talk between the injured liver and adipose tissues. To identify extra hepatic effects, we generated Fgl1 deficient mice. These mice exhibit a phenotype suggestive of a global metabolic defect: Fgl1 null mice are heavier than wild type mates, have abnormal plasma lipid profiles, fasting hyperglycemia with enhanced gluconeogenesis and exhibit differences in white and brown adipose tissue morphology when compared to wild types. Because Fgl1 shares structural similarity to Angiopoietin like factors 2, 3, 4 and 6 which regulate lipid metabolism and energy utilization, we postulate that Fgl1 is a member of an emerging group of proteins with key roles in metabolism and liver regeneration.     

Mammalian CHORD-containing protein 1 is a novel heat shock protein 90-interacting protein

With two tandem repeated cysteine- and histidine-rich domains (designated as CHORD), CHORD-containing proteins (CHPs) are a novel family of highly conserved proteins that play important roles in plant disease resistance and animal development. Through interacting with suppressor of the G2 allele of Skp1 (SGT1) and Hsp90, plant CHORD-containing protein RAR1 (required for Mla resistance 1) plays a critical role in disease resistance mediated by multiple R genes. Yet, the physiological function of vertebrate CHORD-containing protein-1 (Chp-1) has been poorly investigated. In this study, we provide the first biochemical evidence demonstrating that mammalian Chp-1 is a novel Hsp90-interacting protein. Mammalian Chp-1 contains two CHORD domains (I and II) and one CS domain (a domain shared by CHORD-containing proteins and SGT1). With sequence and structural similarity to Hsp90 co-chaperones p23 and SGT1, Chp-1 binds to the ATPase domain of Hsp90, but the biochemical property of the interaction is unique. The Chp-1-Hsp90 interaction is independent of ATP and ATPase-coupled conformational change of Hsp90, a feature that distinguishes Chp-1 from p23. Furthermore, it appears that multiple domains of Chp-1 are required for stable Chp-1-Hsp90 interaction. Unlike SGT1 whose CS domain is sufficient for Hsp90 binding, the CS domain of Chp-1 is essential but not sufficient for Hsp90 binding. While the CHORD-I domain of Chp-1 is dispensable for Hsp90 binding, the CHORD-II domain and the linker region are essential. Interestingly, the CHORD-I domain of plant RAR1 protein is solely responsible for Hsp90 binding. The unique Chp-1-Hsp90 interaction may be indicative of a distinct biological activity of Chp-1 and functional diversification of CHORD-containing proteins during evolution.     

Novel PRMT5-mediated arginine methylations of HSP90A are essential for maintenance of HSP90A function in NDRG2low ATL and various cancer cells

N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) as a tumor suppressor is frequently downregulated in human T-lymphotropic retrovirus (HTLV-1)-infected adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and variety of cancers, and negatively regulates PI3K signaling pathways through dephosphorylation of PTEN with protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). We recently identified that protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is one of novel NDRG2 binding proteins and the knockdown of PRMT5 induces cell apoptosis with degradation of several signaling molecules. To investigate how the apoptosis is induced by the knockdown PRMT5 expression, heat shock protein 90 alpha (HSP90A) was identified as a binding protein for NDRG2 or PRMT5 by immunoprecipitation-mass analysis. NDRG2/PP2A complex inhibited arginine methyltransferase activity of PRMT5 through dephosphorylation at Serine 335 (S335); however, in NDRG2^low ATL-related cells, highly phosphorylated PRMT5 at S335 was mainly localized in cytoplasm with binding to HSP90A, resulting in enhancing arginine-methylation at the middle domain (R345 and R386). Since knockdown of PRMT5 expression or forced expression of HSP90A with alanine replacement of R345 or R386 induced apoptosis with the degradation of client proteins in NDRG2^low ATL-related and other cancer cells, we here identified that the novel arginine methylations of HSP90A are essential for maintenance of its function in NDRG2^low ATL and other cancer cells.