共查询到20条相似文献，搜索用时 62 毫秒
1.
2.
Seong-Cheol Park Il Ryong Kim Jin-Young Kim Yongjae Lee Eun-Ji Kim Ji Hyun Jung Young Jun Jung Mi-Kyeong Jang Jung Ro Lee 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2018,1862(12):2545-2554
Background
It remains an open question whether plant phloem sap proteins are functionally involved in plant defense mechanisms.Methods
The antifungal effects of two profilin proteins from Arabidopsis thaliana, AtPFN1 and AtPFN2, were tested against 11 molds and 4 yeast fungal strains. Fluorescence profiling, biophysical, and biochemical analyses were employed to investigate their antifungal mechanism.Results
Recombinant AtPFN1 and AtPFN2 proteins, expressed in Escherichia coli, inhibited the cell growth of various pathogenic fungal strains at concentrations ranging from 10 to 160?μg/mL. The proteins showed significant intracellular accumulation and cell-binding affinity for fungal cells. Interestingly, the AtPFN proteins could penetrate the fungal cell wall and membrane and act as inhibitors of fungal growth via generation of cellular reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial superoxide. This triggered the AtPFN variant-induced cell apoptosis, resulting in morphological changes in the cells.Conclusion
PFNs may play a critical role as antifungal proteins in the Arabidopsis defense system against fungal pathogen attacks.General significance
The present study indicates that two profilin proteins, AtPFN1 and AtPFN2, can act as natural antimicrobial agents in the plant defense system. 相似文献3.
Rafal Krela Elzbieta Poreba Martyna Weglewska Tomasz Skrzypczak Krzysztof Lesniewicz 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2019,1863(3):521-527
Background
During standard gene cloning, the recombinant protein appearing in bacteria as the result of expression leakage very often inhibits cell proliferation leading to blocking of the cloning procedure. Although different approaches can reduce transgene basal expression, the recombinant proteins, which even in trace amounts inhibit bacterial growth, can completely prevent the cloning process.Methods
Working to solve the problem of DNase II-like cDNA cloning, we developed a novel cloning approach. The method is based on separate cloning of the 5′ and 3′ fragments of target cDNA into a vector in such a way that the short Multiple Cloning Site insertion remaining between both fragments changes the reading frame and prevents translation of mRNA arising as a result of promoter leakage. Subsequently, to get the vector with full, uninterrupted Open Reading Frame, the Multiple Cloning Site insertion is removed by in vitro restriction/ligation reactions, utilizing the unique restriction site present in native cDNA.Results
Using this designed method, we cloned a coding sequence of AcDNase II that is extremely toxic for bacteria cells. Then, we demonstrated the usefulness of the construct prepared in this way for overexpression of AcDNase II in eukaryotic cells.Conclusions
The designed method allows cloning of toxic protein coding sequences that cannot be cloned by standard methods.General significance
Cloning of cDNAs encoding toxic proteins is still a troublesome problem that hinders the progress of numerous studies. The method described here is a convenient solution to cloning problems that are common in research on toxic proteins. 相似文献4.
5.
Philippe Marchetti Anne Trinh Raeeka Khamari Jerome Kluza 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2018,1862(4):999-1005
Background
Besides its influence on survival, growth, proliferation, invasion and metastasis, cancer cell metabolism also greatly influences the cellular responses to molecular-targeted therapies.Scope of the review
To review the recent advances in elucidating the metabolic effects of BRAF and MEK inhibitors (clinical inhibitors of the MAPK/ERK pathway) in melanoma and discuss the underlying mechanisms involved in the way metabolism can influence melanoma cell death and resistance to BRAF and MEK inhibitors. We also underlined the therapeutic perspectives in terms of innovative drug combinations.Major conclusion
BRAF and MEK inhibitors inhibit aerobic glycolysis and induce high levels of metabolic stress leading to effective cell death by apoptosis in BRAF-mutated cancer cells. An increase in mitochondrial metabolism is required to survive to MAPK/ERK pathway inhibitors and the sub-population of cells that survives to these inhibitors are characterized by mitochondrial OXPHOS phenotype. Consequently, mitochondrial inhibition could be combined with oncogenic “drivers” inhibitors of the MAPK/ERK pathway for improving the efficacy of molecular-targeted therapy.General significance
Metabolism is a key component of the melanoma response to BRAF and/or MEK inhibitors. Mitochondrial targeting may offer novel therapeutic approaches to overwhelm the mitochondrial addiction that limits the efficacy of BRAF and/or MEK inhibitors. These therapeutic approaches might be quickly applicable to the clinical situation. 相似文献6.
Dan Liu Yu Cao Xiaolin Zhang Chengfei Peng Xiaoxiang Tian Chenghui Yan Yanxia Liu Meili Liu Yaling Han 《生物化学与生物物理学报:疾病的分子基础》2018,1864(9):2901-2912
Background
Studies indicate that chemokine CC-motif ligand 2 (CCL2) is involved in inflammation and atherosclerosis. However, the roles and mechanisms of CCL2 on platelet function and arterial thrombosis are unknown.Methods
The expressions of CCL2 or CCR2 in the plasma, platelets and coronary thrombus of ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients were examined by ELISA, Western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The roles of CCL2 on platelet aggregation, activation and secretion were examined by light transmission aggregometry, flow cytometry and ELISA.Results
The expressions of CCL2 or CCR2 in the plasma or platelets of STEMI patients with platelet high response were higher than those with platelet normal response; In vitro, exogenous recombinant human CCL2 markedly increased platelet aggregation, activation and granule secretion, which were abolished by CCL2 neutralizing antibody or CCR2 inhibiter. CCL2 increased the phosphorylation levels of PKCα (Thr638), P38MAPK (Thr180/Tyr182) and HSP27 (S78/S82) in human platelets, which were abrogated by PKCα inhibitor (RO 318220) or P38MAPK inhibitor (SB 203580). RO 318220 or SB 203580 diminished CCL2-induced platelet function. In CCL2?/? mice, platelet aggregation and secretion were attenuated; the phosphorylation of PKCα, P38MAPK and HSP27 were decreased. In a carotid arterial thrombus mouse model, CCL2?/? mice displayed a significantly extended carotid artery occlusion time compared with wild type.Conclusions
CCL2 played important roles in regulating platelet function and arterial thrombosis through the PKCα-P38MAPK-HSP27 pathway, which might provide theoretical basis for searching new antiplatelet drugs and the treatment for cardiovascular diseases. 相似文献7.
Andreas Stylianou Vasiliki Gkretsi Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2018,1862(7):1537-1546
Background
Tumor microenvironment consists of the extracellular matrix (ECM), stromal cells, such as fibroblasts (FBs) and cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and a myriad of soluble factors. In many tumor types, including pancreatic tumors, the interplay between stromal cells and the other tumor microenvironment components leads to desmoplasia, a cancer-specific type of fibrosis that hinders treatment. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and CAFs are thought to play a crucial role in this tumor desmoplastic reaction, although the involved mechanisms are unknown.Methods
Optical/fluorescence microscopy, atomic force microscopy, image processing techniques, invasion assay in 3D collagen I gels and real-time PCR were employed to investigate the effect of TGF-β on normal pancreatic FBs and CAFs with regard to crucial cellular morphodynamic characteristics and relevant gene expression involved in tumor progression and metastasis.Results
CAFs present specific myofibroblast-like characteristics, such as α-smooth muscle actin expression and cell elongation, they also form more lamellipodia and are softer than FBs. TGF-β treatment increases cell stiffness (Young's modulus) of both FBs and CAFs and increases CAF's (but not FB's) elongation, cell spreading, lamellipodia formation and spheroid invasion. Gene expression analysis shows that these morphodynamic characteristics are mediated by Rac, RhoA and ROCK expression in CAFs treated with TGF-β.Conclusions
TGF-β modulates CAFs', but not FBs', cell shape, stiffness and invasion.General Significance
Our findings elucidate on the effects of TGF-β on CAFs' behavior and stiffness providing new insights into the mechanisms involved. 相似文献8.
Satomi Nadanaka Hiroshi Kitagawa 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2018,1862(4):791-799
Background
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans are ubiquitously expressed on cell surfaces and in extracellular matrices, and are engaged in heparin-binding growth factor-related signal transduction. Thus, changes in the amounts, structures, and chain lengths of heparan sulfate have profound effects on aspects of cell growth controlled by heparin-binding growth factors such as FGF2. Exostosin glycosyltransferases (EXT1, EXT2, EXTL1, EXTL2, and EXTL3) control heparan sulfate biosynthesis, and the expression levels of their genes regulate the amounts, chain lengths, and sulfation patterns of heparan sulfate. Unlike EXT1, EXT2, and EXTL3, EXTL2 functions chain termination of heparan sulfate. Here, we examined the importance of EXTL2 in FGF2-dependent signaling.Methods
We investigated heparan sulfate biosynthesis and FGF2 signaling using four cell lines, EXT1-deficient cells, EXT2-, EXTL2-, or EXTL3-knockdown cells, by HPLC, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, and western blotting.Results
Reduced expression of either EXT1, EXT2, or EXTL3 decreased heparan sulfate biosynthesis, and consequently suppressed the FGF2-dependent proliferation of mouse L fibroblasts. In contrast, although knockdown of EXTL2 increased the amounts of heparan sulfate, FGF2-dependent proliferation was significantly inhibited because the increased heparan sulfate enhanced the incorporation of FGF2 into the cells.Conclusions
EXTL2 controls FGF2 signaling through regulation of heparan sulfate biosynthesis in a manner distinct from that of other exostosins.General significance
This study provides new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of FGF2 signaling by EXTL2. 相似文献9.
Yuta Murakami Koichi Takahashi Kyoka Hoshi Hiromi Ito Mayumi Kanno Kiyoshi Saito Kenneth Nollet Yoshiki Yamaguchi Masakazu Miyajima Hajime Arai Yasuhiro Hashimoto Tatsuo Mima 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2018,1862(8):1835-1842
Background
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is caused by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Definitive diagnosis can be difficult by clinical examinations and imaging studies.Methods
SIH was diagnosed with the following criteria: (i) evidence of CSF leakage by cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of intracranial hypotension and/or low CSF opening pressure; (ii) no recent history of dural puncture. We quantified CSF proteins by ELISA or Western blotting.Results
Comparing with non-SIH patients, SIH patients showed significant increase of brain-derived CSF glycoproteins such as lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS), soluble protein fragments generated from amyloid precursor protein (sAPP) and “brain-type” transferrin (Tf). Serum-derived proteins such as albumin, immunoglobulin G, and serum Tf were also increased. A combination of L-PGDS and brain-type Tf differentiated SIH from non-SIH with sensitivity 94.7% and specificity 72.6%.Conclusion
L-PGDS and brain-type Tf can be biomarkers for diagnosing SIH.General significance
L-PGDS and brain-type Tf biosynthesized in the brain appears to be markers for abnormal metabolism of CSF. 相似文献10.
11.
Wangxiao He Pietro Mazzuca Weirong Yuan Kristen Varney Antonella Bugatti Alfredo Cagnotto Cinzia Giagulli Marco Rusnati Stefania Marsico Luisa Diomede Mario Salmona Arnaldo Caruso Wuyuan Lu Francesca Caccuri 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2019,1863(1):13-24
Background
HIV-1 matrix protein p17 variants (vp17s) detected in HIV-1-infected patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (HIV-NHL) display, differently from the wild-type protein (refp17), B cell growth-promoting activity. Biophysical analysis revealed that vp17s are destabilized as compared to refp17, motivating us to explore structure-function relationships.Methods
We used: biophysical techniques (circular dichroism (CD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and thermal/GuHCL denaturation) to study protein conformation and stability; Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to study interactions; Western blot to investigate signaling pathways; and Colony Formation and Soft Agar assays to study B cell proliferation and clonogenicity.Results
By forcing the formation of a disulfide bridge between Cys residues at positions 57 and 87 we obtained a destabilized p17 capable of promoting B cell proliferation. This finding prompted us to dissect refp17 to identify the functional epitope. A synthetic peptide (F1) spanning from amino acid (aa) 2 to 21 was found to activate Akt and promote B cell proliferation and clonogenicity. Three positively charged aa (Arg15, Lys18 and Arg20) proved critical for sustaining the proliferative activity of both F1 and HIV-NHL-derived vp17s. Lack of any interaction of F1 with the known refp17 receptors suggests an alternate one involved in cell proliferation.Conclusions
The molecular reasons for the proliferative activity of vp17s, compared to refp17, relies on the exposure of a functional epitope capable of activating Akt.General significance
Our findings pave the way for identifying the receptor(s) responsible for B cell proliferation and offer new opportunities to identify novel treatment strategies in combating HIV-related NHL. 相似文献12.
Viacheslav V. Senichkin Gelina S. Kopeina Eugeniia A. Prokhorova Alexey V. Zamaraev Inna N. Lavrik Boris Zhivotovsky 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2018,1862(3):557-566
Background
The development of approaches that increase therapeutic effects of anti-cancer drugs is one of the most important tasks of oncology. Caloric restriction in vivo or serum deprivation (SD) in vitro has been shown to be an effective tool for sensitizing cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying the enhancement of apoptosis in cancer cells by SD remain to be elucidated.Methods
Flow cytometry, caspase activity assay and western blotting were used for cell death rate evaluation. Western blotting, gel-filtration, siRNA approach and qRT-PCR were used to elucidate the mechanism underlying cell death potentiation upon SD.Results
We demonstrated that SD sensitizes cancer cells to treatment with chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin. This effect is independent on activation of caspases-2 and -8, apical caspases triggering apoptosis in response to genotoxic stress. SD potentiates cell death via downregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1. In fact, SD reduces the Mcl-1 mRNA level, which consequently decreases the Mcl-1 protein level and renders cells more susceptible to apoptosis induction via the formation of apoptosome.Conclusions
Mcl-1 protein is an important regulator of sensitivity of cancer cells to apoptotic stimuli upon SD.General significance
This study identifies Mcl-1 as a new target for the sensitization of human cancer cells to cell death by SD, which is of great significance for the development of efficient anti-cancer therapies. 相似文献13.
Sophie Winkler Rupert Derler Bernd Gesslbauer Elmar Krieger Andreas J. Kungl 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2019,1863(3):528-533
Background
Binding of chemokines to glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) is a crucial step in leukocyte recruitment to inflamed tissues.Methods
A disaccharide compositional analysis of the HS dp6 fraction in combination with MS analysis of the CCL2-depleted dp6 fraction was the basis for target GAG ligand structure suggestions. Four experimentally-derived heparan sulfate hexasaccharides, two potentially chemokine-specific and two unspecific, have been docked to CCL2. Subsequent 300?ns molecular dynamics simulations were used to improve the docked complexes.Results
Hexasaccharides with four sulfations and no acetylations are suggested for selective and high affinity chemokine binding. Using the Antithromin-III/heparin complex as positive control for docking, we were able to recover the correct complex structure only if the previously liganded ATIII structure was used as input. Since the liganded structure is not known for a CCL2-GAG complex, we investigated if molecular dynamics simulations could improve initial docking results. We found that all four GAG oligosaccharides ended up in close contact with the known binding residues after about 100?ns simulation time.Conclusions
A discrimination of specific vs. unspecific CCL2 GAG ligands is not possible by this approach. Long-time molecular dynamics simulations are, however, well suited to capture the delicate enthalpy/entropy balance of GAG binding and improve results obtained from docking.General significance
With the comparison of two methods, MS-based ligand identification and molecular modelling, we have shown the current limitations of our molecular understanding of complex ligand binding which is could be due to the numerical inaccessibility of ligand-induced protein conformational changes. 相似文献14.
Selenium unmasks protective iron armor: A possible defense against cutaneous inflammation and cancer
Jack L. Arbiser Michael Y. Bonner Nicole Ward Justin Elsey Shikha Rao 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2018,1862(11):2518-2527
Background
A link between selenium deficiency and inflammatory skin diseases have been noted by many, but this link is still not well understood. We have previously studied the efficacy of ceramide analogs, based on the fire ant venom Solenopsin A, against our psoriasis animal model. Treatment of animals with solenopsin analogs resulted in significantly improved skin as well as in a coordinate downregulation of selenoproteins, namely Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4). We thus hypothesize that ferroptosis may be a physiologic process that may protect the skin from both inflammatory and neoplastic processes.Methods
We analyze and compare gene expression profiles in the GEO database from clinical skin samples taken from healthy patients and psoriasis patients (both involved and noninvolved skin lesions). We validated the gene expression results against a second, independent, cohort from the GEO database.Results
Significant reduction in gene expression of GPX4, elevated expression of Nrf2 downstream targets, and expression profiles mirroring erastin-inhibition of Cystine/Glutamate Antiporter-System XC activity in psoriatic skin lesions, compared to both noninvolved skin and healthy patient samples, suggest an innately inducible mechanism of ferroptosis.Conclusions
We present data that may indicate selenoproteins, particularly GPX4, in resolving inflammation and skin cancer, including the novel hypothesis that the human organism may downregulate GPX4 and reactive oxygen (REDOX) regulating proteins in the skin as a way of resolving psoriasis and nonmelanoma skin cancer through increased reactive oxygen species. Further studies are needed to investigate ferroptosis as a possible physiologic mechanism for eliminating inflammatory and malignant tissues.General significance
This study provides a fresh framework for understanding the seemingly contradictory effects of selenium supplementation. In addition, it offers a novel explanation of how physiologic upregulation of ferroptosis and downregulation of selenoprotein synthesis may mediate resolution of inflammation and carcinogenesis. This is of therapeutic significance. 相似文献15.
Afsaneh Sadremomtaz Kamran Mansouri Golnaz Alemzadeh Majid Safa Ahmadreza Esmaeili Rastaghi S. Mohsen Asghari 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2018,1862(12):2688-2700
Background
Neutralization of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) and/or VEGFR2 is a widely used means of inhibiting tumor angiogenesis.Methods
Based on the complex X-ray structures of VEGFA/VEGFR1, VEGFA/VEGFR2, and VEGFB/VEGFR1, a peptide (referred to as VGB) was designed to simultaneously bind to VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, and binding, antiangiogenic and antitumor properties of the peptide was investigated in vitro.Results
VGB bound to both VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and 4?T1 mammary carcinoma tumor (MCT) cells, and inhibited the proliferation of HUVE, 4?T1 MCT, and U87 glioblastoma cells. Through abrogation of AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, VEGFA-stimulated proliferation, migration, and two- and three-dimensional tube formation in HUVECs were inhibited more potently by VGB than by bevacizumab. In a murine 4?T1 MCT model, VGB strongly inhibited tumor growth without causing weight loss, accompanied by inhibition of AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, a significant decrease in tumor cell proliferation (Ki-67 expression), angiogenesis (CD31 and CD34 expression), an increase in apoptosis index (increased TUNEL staining and p53 expression and decreased Bcl-2 expression), and the suppression of systematic spreading of the tumor (reduced NF-κB and MMP-9 and increased E-cadherin expression).Conclusion
The dual specificity of VGB for VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, through which the PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathways can be abrogated and, subsequently, angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis are inhibited.General significance
This study demonstrated that simultaneous blockade of VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 downstream cascades is an effective means for treatment of various angiogenic disorders, especially cancer. 相似文献16.
Irena Trbojević-Akmačić Frano Vučković Marija Vilaj Andrea Skelin Lennart C. Karssen Jasminka Krištić Julija Jurić Ana Momčilović Jelena Šimunović Massimo Mangino Manuela De Gregori Maurizio Marchesini Concetta Dagostino Jerko Štambuk Mislav Novokmet Richard Rauck Yurii S. Aulchenko Dragan Primorac Gordan Lauc 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2018,1862(10):2124-2133
Background
Low back pain (LBP) is the symptom of a group of syndromes with heterogeneous underlying mechanisms and molecular pathologies, making treatment selection and patient prognosis very challenging. Moreover, symptoms and prognosis of LBP are influenced by age, gender, occupation, habits, and psychological factors. LBP may be characterized by an underlying inflammatory process. Previous studies indicated a connection between inflammatory response and total plasma N-glycosylation. We wanted to identify potential changes in total plasma N-glycosylation pattern connected with chronic low back pain (CLBP), which could give an insight into the pathogenic mechanisms of the disease.Methods
Plasma samples of 1128 CLBP patients and 760 healthy controls were collected in clinical centers in Italy, Belgium and Croatia and used for N-glycosylation profiling by hydrophilic interaction ultra-performance liquid chromatography (HILIC-UPLC) after N-glycans release, fluorescent labeling and clean-up. Observed N-glycosylation profiles have been compared with a cohort of 126 patients with acute inflammation that underwent abdominal surgery.Results
We have found a statistically significant increase in the relative amount of high-branched (tri-antennary and tetra-antennary) N-glycan structures on CLBP patients' plasma glycoproteins compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, relative amounts of disialylated and trisialylated glycan structures were increased, while high-mannose and glycans containing bisecting N-acetylglucosamine decreased in CLBP.Conclusions
Observed changes in CLBP on the plasma N-glycome level are consistent with N-glycosylation changes usually seen in chronic inflammation.General significance
To our knowledge, this is a first large clinical study on CLBP patients and plasma N-glycome providing a new glycomics perspective on potential disease pathology. 相似文献17.
Shuping Li Fei Gao Jiaqiang Huang Yuanyuan Wu Sen Wu Xin Gen Lei 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2018,1862(11):2473-2479
Background
Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient required by avian species. Dietary Se/vitamin E deficiency induces three classical diseases in chicks: exudative diathesis, nutritional pancreatic atrophy, and nutritional muscular dystrophy.Scope of review
This review is to summarize and analyze the evolution, regulation, and function of avian selenogenome and selenoproteome and their relationship with the three classical Se/vitamin E deficiency diseases.Major conclusions
There are 24 selenoproteins confirmed in chicks, with two avian-specific members (SELENOU and SELENOP2) and two missing mammalian members (GPX6 and SELENOV). There are two forms of SELENOP containing 1 or 13 selenocysteine residues. In addition, a Gallus gallus gene was conjectured to be the counterpart of the human SEPHS2. Expression of selenoprotein genes in the liver, pancreas, and muscle of chicks seemed to be highly responsive to dietary Se changes. Pathogeneses of the Se/vitamin E deficient diseases in the chicks were likely produced by missing functions of selected selenoproteins in regulating cellular and tissue redox balance and inhibiting oxidative/reductive stress-induced cell death.General significance
Gene knockout models, similar to those of rodents, will help characterize the precise functions of avian selenoproteins and their comparisons with those of mammalian species. 相似文献18.
Stefanie Nowak Antonella Di Pizio Anat Levit Masha Y. Niv Wolfgang Meyerhof Maik Behrens 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2018,1862(10):2162-2173
Background
In humans, bitterness perception is mediated by ~25 bitter taste receptors present in the oral cavity. Among these receptors three, TAS2R10, TAS2R14 and TAS2R46, exhibit extraordinary wide agonist profiles and hence contribute disproportionally high to the perception of bitterness. Perhaps the most broadly tuned receptor is the TAS2R14, which may represent, because of its prominent expression in extraoral tissues, a receptor of particular importance for the physiological actions of bitter compounds beyond taste.Methods
To investigate how the architecture and composition of the TAS2R14 binding pocket enables specific interactions with a complex array of chemically diverse bitter agonists, we carried out homology modeling and ligand docking experiments, subjected the receptor to point-mutagenesis of binding site residues and performed functional calcium mobilization assays.Results
In total, 40 point-mutated receptor constructs were generated to investigate the contribution of 19 positions presumably located in the receptor's binding pocket to activation by 7 different TAS2R14 agonists. All investigated positions exhibited moderate to pronounced agonist selectivity.Conclusions
Since numerous modifications of the TAS2R14 binding pocket resulted in improved responses to individual agonists, we conclude that this bitter taste receptor might represent a suitable template for the engineering of the agonist profile of a chemoreceptive receptor.General significance
The detailed structure-function analysis of the highly promiscuous and widely expressed TAS2R14 suggests that this receptor must be considered as potentially frequent target for known and novel drugs including undesired off-effects. 相似文献19.
Si-Eun Yun Min-Kyung Nam Hyangshuk Rhim 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2018,1862(7):1602-1611
Background
Regulating apoptosis is a common and essential therapeutic strategy for cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Based on basic studies of apoptotic mechanisms, various researches have attempted to overcome the pathogenesis of such diseases by activating or inhibiting apoptosis. Generally, the biochemical characteristics of the target molecules should be evaluated along with understanding of their mechanisms of action during drug development. Among apoptotic regulators, XIAP serves as a potent negative regulator to block apoptosis through the inhibition of caspase (CASP)-9 and -3/7. Although XIAP is an attractive target with such apoptotic-modulating property, biochemical and biophysical studies of XIAP are still challenging.Methods
In this study, the CASP-9 and -3/7 inhibitors XIAP, 242Δ and Δ230 were prepared using the pGEX expression system and biochemically characterized.Results
These inhibitors were expressed in Escherichia coli at a concentration of ≥20?mg/L culture under a native condition with 0.01?mM IPTG induction. Notably, using a simple and rapid affinity purification technique, these CASP-9 and -3/7 inhibitors have been purified, yielding ≥5?mg/L culture at approximately 90% purity.Conclusions
We have determined that HtrA2 specifically binds to the BIR2 and BIR3 of XIAP at a 1:1 molecular ratio. Moreover, in vitro cell-free CASP-9 and -3/7 activation-apoptosis assays have demonstrated that these purified XIAP proteins dramatically inhibit CASP-9 and -3/7 action.General significance
Our system is suitable for biochemical studies, such as quantitation of the number of molecules acting on the apoptosis regulation, and provides a basis and insights that can be applied to the development of therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. 相似文献20.
Lin Wang Ziru Yu Shuyue Ren Junke Song Jinhua Wang Guanhua Du 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2018,1862(10):2281-2292