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Xenopus laevis, otherwise known as the African clawed frog, undergoes natural dehydration of up to 30% of its total body water during the dry season in sub-Saharan Africa. To survive under these conditions, a variety of physiological and biochemical changes take place in X. laevis. We were interested in understanding the role that the calcineurin-NFAT pathway plays during dehydration stress response in the skeletal muscles of X. laevis. Immunoblotting was performed to characterize the protein levels of NFATc1-4, calcium signalling proteins, in addition to myogenic proteins (MyoD, MyoG, myomaker). In addition, DNA–protein interaction ELISAs were used to assess the binding of NFATs to their consensus binding sequence, and to identify the effect of urea on NFAT-binding. Our results showed that NFATc1 and c4 protein levels decreased during dehydration, and there were no changes in NFATc2, c3, and calcium signalling proteins. However, MyoG and myomaker both showed increases in protein levels during dehydration, thus indicating that the late myogenic program involving myoblast differentiation, but not satellite cell activation and myoblast proliferation, could be involved in preserving the skeletal muscle of X. laevis during dehydration. In addition, we observed that urea seems to reduce NFATc3-binding to DNA during control, but not during dehydration, possibly indicating that NFATc3 is protected from the denaturing effects of urea as it accumulates during dehydration. These findings expand upon our knowledge of adaptive responses to dehydration, and they identify specific protein targets that could be used to protect the skeletal muscle from damage during stress. 相似文献
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Michele Vitali Valentina Rigamonti Antonino Natalello Barbara Colzani Svetlana Avvakumova Stefania Brocca Carlo Santambrogio Joanna Narkiewicz Giuseppe Legname Miriam Colombo Davide Prosperi Rita Grandori 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2018,1862(7):1556-1564
Background
Protein-nanoparticle (NP) interactions dictate properties of nanoconjugates relevant to bionanotechnology. Non-covalent adsorption generates a protein corona (PC) formed by an inner and an outer layer, the hard and soft corona (HC, SC). Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) exist in solution as conformational ensembles, whose response to the presence of NPs is not known.Methods
Three IDPs (α-casein, Sic1 and α-synuclein) and lysozyme are compared, describing conformational properties inside HC on silica NPs by circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.Results
IDPs inside HC are largely unstructured, but display small, protein-specific conformational changes. A minor increase in helical content is observed for α-casein and α-synuclein, reminiscent of membrane effects on α-synuclein. Frozen in their largely disordered conformation, bound proteins do not undergo folding induced by dehydration, as they do in their free forms. While HC thickness approaches the hydrodynamic diameter of the protein in solution for lysozyme, it is much below the respective values for IDPs. NPs boost α-synuclein aggregation kinetics in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusions
IDPs maintain structural disorder inside HC, experiencing minor, protein-specific, induced folding and stabilization against further conformational transitions, such as formation of intermolecular beta-sheets upon dehydration. The HC is formed by a single layer of protein molecules. SC likely plays a key role stabilizing amyloidogenic α-synuclein conformers.General significance
Protein-NP interactions can mimic those with macromolecular partners, allowing dissection of contributing factors by rational design of NP surfaces. Application of NPs in vivo should be carefully tested for amyloidogenic potential. 相似文献4.
Meenakshi Sharma Dinesh Kumar Krishna Mohan Poluri 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2018,1862(4):924-935
Background
Characterization of partially collapsed protein conformations at atomic level is a daunting task due to their inherent flexibility and conformational heterogeneity. T7 bacteriophage endolysin (T7L) is a single-domain amidase that facilitates the lysis of Gram-negative bacteria. T7L exhibits a pH-dependent structural transition from native state to partially folded (PF) conformation. In the pH range 5–3, T7L PF states display differential ANS binding characteristics.Methods
CD, fluorescence, NMR spectroscopy and lysis assays were used to investigate the structure-stability- dynamics relationships of T7L PF conformations.Results
Structural studies indicated a partial loss of secondary/tertiary structures compared to its native state. The loss in the tertiary structure and the hydrophobic core opening increases upon decrease of pH from 5 to 3. Thermal denaturation experiments delineated that the pH?5 conformation is thermally irreversible in contrast to pH?3, depicting that hydrophobic core opening is essential for thermal reversibility. Further, urea dependent unfolding features of PF state at pH?5 and 4 evidenced for a collapsed conformation at intermediate urea concentrations. Residue level studies revealed that α1-helix and β3-β4 segment of T7L are the major contributors for such a structural collapse and inherent dynamics.Conclusions
The results suggested that the low pH PF states of T7L are heterogeneous and exhibits differential structural, unfolding, thermal reversibility, and dynamic features.General significance
Unraveling the structure-stability characteristics of different endolysin conformations is essential for designing novel chimeric and engineered phage endolysins as broadband antimicrobial agents over a varied pH range. 相似文献5.
Wataru Yoshida Mizuki Terasaka Saowalak Laddachote Isao Karube 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2018,1862(9):1933-1937
Background
DNA methylation at the 5-position of cytosine is an epigenetic modification of CpG dinucleotides. In addition to CpG methylation, the G-quadruplex (G4) structure has been reported as a regulator of gene expression. The identification of G4 forming sequences in CpG islands suggests an involvement of CpG-methylated G4 structures in biological processes; however, few reports have addressed the effects of CpG methylation on G4 structure.Methods
The thermostability of a methylated, 21-mer G4 structure located on the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene promoter containing four CpG sites (C1, C6, C11, and C17) were investigated using circular dichroism (CD) spectral analysis.Results
CD melting analysis revealed that VEGF G4 was stabilized by a single CpG methylation on C11 in the presence of Na+ and Mg2+. However, either C1 or C11 methylation enhanced VEGF G4 thermal stability in the presence of K+.Conclusions
Single CpG methylation appears to enhance VEGF G4 thermostability in a manner dependent on both the CpG methylation site and cation type.General significance
These results are expected to contribute to the elucidation of the roles of CpG methylation-stabilized G4 structures in biological processes. 相似文献6.
Huan He Juan Xu Wen Xie Qing-Lian Guo Feng-Lei Jiang Yi Liu 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2018,1862(3):501-512
Background
CDK6 is considered as a highly validated anticancer drug target due to its essential role in regulating cell cycle progression at G1 restriction point. Activation of CDK6 requires the phosphorylation of Thr177 on A-loop, but the structural insights of the activation mechanism remain unclear.Methods
Herein, all-atoms molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to study the effects of Thr177 phosphorylation on the dynamic structure of CDK6-Vcyclin complex.Results
MD results indicated that the free energy barrier of the transition from open to closed state decreased ~ 47.2% after Thr177 phosphorylation. Key steps along the state transition process were obtained from a cluster analysis. Binding preference of ten different inhibitors to open or closed state were also investigated through molecular docking along with MD simulations methods.Conclusions
Our results indicated that Thr177 phosphorylation increased the flexibility around the ATP-binding pocket. The transition of the ATP-binding pocket between open and closed states should be considered for understanding the binding of CDK6 inhibitors.General significance
This work could deepen the understanding of CDKs activation mechanism, and provide useful information for the discovery of new CDKs inhibitors with high affinity and specificity. 相似文献7.
Ying Luo Cheng Lou Sui Zhang Zhengyan Zhu Qianzhe Xing Peng Wang Tong Liu Hui Liu Chenglong Li Wenxia Shi Zhi Du Yingtang Gao 《Cytotherapy》2018,20(1):95-107
Background aims
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are becoming increasingly popular in research endeavors due to their potential for clinical application; however, such application is challenging due to limitations such as inferior function and low induction efficiency. In this study, we aimed to establish a three-dimensional (3D) culture condition to mimic the environment in which hepatogenesis occurs in vivo to enhance the differentiation of hiPSCs for large-scale culture and high throughput BAL application.Methods
We used hydrogel to create hepatocyte-like cell (HLC) spheroids in a 3D culture condition and analyzed the cell-behavior and differentiation properties of hiPSCs in a synthetic nanofiber scaffold.Results
We found that treating cells with Y-27632 promoted the formation of spheroids, and the cells aggregated more rapidly in a 3D culture condition. The ALB secretion, urea production and glycogen synthesis by HLCs in 3D were significantly higher than those grown in a 2-dimensional culture condition. In addition, the metabolic activities of the CYP450 enzymes were also higher in cells differentiated in the 3D culture condition.Conclusions
3D hydrogel culture condition can promote differentiation of hiPSCs into hepatocytes. The 3D culture approach could be applied to the differentiation of hiPSCs into hepatocytes for bioartificial liver. 相似文献8.
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9.
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Sara Lago Matteo Nadai Monica Rossetto Sara N. Richter 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2018,1862(6):1276-1282
Background
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are nucleic acids secondary structures formed in guanine-rich sequences. Anti-G4 antibodies represent a tool for the direct investigation of G4s in cells. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) is a highly sensitive technology, suitable for assessing the affinity between biomolecules. We here aimed at improving the orientation of an anti-G4 antibody on the SPR sensor chip to optimize detection of binding antigens.Methods
SPR was employed to characterize the anti-G4 antibody interaction with G4 and non-G4 oligonucleotides. Dextran-functionalized sensor chips were used both in covalent coupling and capturing procedures.Results
The use of two leading molecule for orienting the antibody of interest allowed to improve its activity from completely non-functional to 65% active. The specificity of the anti-G4 antobody for G4 structures could thus be assessed with high sensitivity and reliability.Conclusions
Optimization of the immobilization protocol for SPR biosensing, allowed us to determine the anti-G4 antibody affinity and specificity for G4 antigens with higher sensitivity with respect to other in vitro assays such as ELISA. Anti-G4 antibody specificity is a fundamental assumption for the future utilization of this kind of antibodies for monitoring G4s directly in cells.General significance
The heterogeneous orientation of amine-coupling immobilized ligands is a general problem that often leads to partial or complete inactivation of the molecules. Here we describe a new strategy for improving ligand orientation: driving it from two sides. This principle can be virtually applied to every molecule that loses its activity or is poorly immobilized after standard coupling to the SPR chip surface. 相似文献11.
Shruti Chakraborty Sayak Ganguli Aritra Chowdhury Michael Ibba Rajat Banerjee 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2018,1862(8):1801-1809
Background
Under oxidative stress cytoplasmic aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (aaRSs) substrate specificity can be compromised, leading to tRNA mischarging and mistranslation of the proteome. Whether similar processes occur in mitochondria, which are major cellular sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is unknown. However, relaxed substrate specificity in yeast mitochondrial phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase (ScmitPheRS) has been reported to increase tRNA mischarging and blocks mitochondrial biogenesis.Methods
Non-reducing denaturing PAGE, cysteine reactivity studies, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, enzyme assay, western blot, growth assay, circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to study the effect of oxidative stress on ScmitPheRS activity.Results
ScmitPheRS is reversibly inactivated under oxidative stress. The targets for oxidative inactivation are two conserved cysteine residues resulting in reversible intra-molecular disulfide bridge formation. Replacement of either conserved cysteine residue increased viability during growth under oxidative stress.Conclusion
Formation of intra-molecular disulfide bridge under oxidative stress hinders the tRNAPhe binding of the enzyme, thus inactivating ScmitPheRS reversibly.General significance
The ScmitPheRS activity is compromised under oxidative stress due to formation of intra-molecular disulfide bridge. The sensitivity of ScmitPheRS to oxidation may provide a protective mechanism against error-prone translation under oxidative stress. 相似文献12.
Sophie Debs Amy Cohen Elham Hosseini-Beheshti Giovanna Chimini Nicholas H. Hunt Georges E.R. Grau 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2019,1863(2):325-331
Background
Malaria is a serious parasitic infection affecting millions of people worldwide each year. Cerebral malaria is the most severe complication of Plasmodium infections, predominantly affecting children. Extracellular vesicles are essential mediators of intercellular communication and include apoptotic bodies, microvesicles and exosomes. Microvesicle numbers increase during disease pathogenesis and inhibition of their release can prevent brain pathology and mortality.Scope of review
We explore the current knowledge on microvesicles and exosomes in cerebral malaria pathogenesis.Major conclusions
Microvesicles and exosomes are implicated in cerebral malaria pathogenesis, in the modulation of host immunity to Plasmodium, and in cell-cell communication. Blocking their production is protective in models of cerebral malaria, both in vivo and in vitro.General significance
While anti-malarial treatments exist to combat Plasmodium infections, increasing drug resistance presents a major challenge. In order to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes, further research is required to better appreciate extracellular vesicle involvement in cerebral malaria. 相似文献13.
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14.
Xi-Ning?Zhu Dong Hyun?Kim Horng-Ru?Lin Varija?N?Budhavarapu Herbert?B?Rosenbaum Paul?R?Mueller P Renee?Yew
Background
Cell division is positively regulated by cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) partnered with cyclins and negatively regulated by CDK inhibitors. In the frog, Xenopus laevis, three types of CDK inhibitors have been described: p27Xic1 (Xic1) which shares sequence homology with both p21Cip1 and p27Kip1 from mammals, p16Xic2 (Xic2) which shares sequence homology with p21Cip1, and p17Xic3 (Xic3) which shares sequence homology with p27Kip1. While past studies have demonstrated that during DNA polymerase switching, Xic1 is targeted for protein turnover dependent upon DNA, Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA), and the ubiquitin ligase CRL4Cdt2, little is known about the processes that regulate Xic2 or Xic3.Methods
We used the Xenopus interphase egg extract as a model system to examine the regulation of Xic2 by proteolysis and phosphorylation.Results
Our studies indicated that following primer synthesis during the initiation of DNA replication, Xic2 is targeted for DNA- and PCNA-dependent ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis and that Cdt2 can promote Xic2 turnover. Additionally, during interphase, Xic2 is phosphorylated by CDK2 at Ser-98 and Ser-131 in a DNA-independent manner, inhibiting Xic2 turnover. In the presence of double-stranded DNA ends, Xic2 is also phosphorylated at Ser-78 and Ser-81 by a caffeine-sensitive kinase, but this phosphorylation does not alter Xic2 turnover. Conversely, in the presence or absence of DNA, Xic3 was stable in the Xenopus interphase egg extract and did not exhibit a shift indicative of phosphorylation.Conclusions
During interphase, Xic2 is targeted for DNA- and PCNA-dependent proteolysis that is negatively regulated by CDK2 phosphorylation. During a response to DNA damage, Xic2 may be alternatively regulated by phosphorylation by a caffeine-sensitive kinase. Our studies suggest that the three types of Xenopus CDK inhibitors, Xic1, Xic2, and Xic3 appear to be uniquely regulated which may reflect their specialized roles during cell division or early development in the frog.15.
Nathalie Vaes Simone L. Schonkeren Erwin Brosens Alexander Koch Conor J. McCann Nikhil Thapar Robert M.W. Hofstra Manon van Engeland Veerle Melotte 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2018,1862(10):2140-2151
Background
The N-Myc Downstream-Regulated Gene (NDRG) family comprises four members that function in cellular processes like proliferation and differentiation. While NDRG1 and NDRG2 are extensively studied, knowledge regarding NDRG3 and NDRG4, despite its recognition as a well-established early-detection marker for colorectal cancer (Cologuard®), is sparse.Scope of review
To summarize expression, biomarker potential and functional mechanisms of the NDRGs in the developing, mature and cancerous gut, we combine current literature and in silico analyses from the TCGA-database, GTEX Project, E14.5 mouse intestine and enteric neural crest cells, and an RNA-sequencing time-series of human embryonic colonic samples.Major conclusions
This study reveals that all members display a differential expression pattern in the gut and that NDRG1, NDRG2 and NDRG4 (1) can serve as biomarker for colorectal cancer and (2) have tumor suppressive properties mainly affecting cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.General significance
Similar effects of the NDRGs on the key-hallmarks of cancer, could implicate analogous functions in other tissue/cancer types. 相似文献16.
Yi-Jun Li Feng-Xin Yin Xin-Ke Zhang Jie Yu Shuang Zheng Xin-Lei Song Feng-Shan Wang Ju-Zheng Sheng 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2018,1862(3):547-556
Background
The final structure of heparan sulfate chains is strictly regulated in vivo, though the biosynthesis is not guided by a template process. N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase (NDST) is the first modification enzyme in the HS biosynthetic pathway. The N-sulfo groups introduced by NDST are reportedly involved in determination of the susceptibility to subsequent processes catalyzed by C5-epimerse and 3-O-sulfotransferases. Understanding the substrate specificities of the four human NDST isoforms has become central to uncovering the regulatory mechanism of HS biosynthesis.Methods
Highly-purified recombinant NDST-4 (rNDST-4) and a selective library of structurally-defined oligosaccharides were employed to determine the substrate specificity of rNDST-4.Results
Full-length rNDST-4 lacks obvious N-deacetylase activity, and displays only N-sulfotransferase activity. Unlike NDST-1, NDST-4 did not show directional N-sulfotransferase activity while the N-deacetylase domain was inactive.Conclusion and general significance
Individual NDST-4 could not effectively assume the key role in the distribution of N-S domains and N-Ac domains in HS biosynthesis in vivo. 相似文献17.
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W.F. Theeuwes H.R. Gosker R.C.J. Langen N.A.M. Pansters A.M.W.J. Schols A.H.V. Remels 《生物化学与生物物理学报:疾病的分子基础》2018,1864(9):2913-2926
Background
Mitochondrial biogenesis is crucial for myogenic differentiation and regeneration of skeletal muscle tissue and is tightly controlled by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ co-activator 1 (PGC-1) signaling network. In the present study, we hypothesized that inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, previously suggested to interfere with PGC-1 in non-muscle cells, potentiates PGC-1 signaling and the development of mitochondrial biogenesis during myogenesis, ultimately resulting in an enhanced myotube oxidative capacity.Methods
GSK-3β was inactivated genetically or pharmacologically during myogenic differentiation of C2C12 muscle cells. In addition, m. gastrocnemius tissue was collected from wild-type and muscle-specific GSK-3β knock-out (KO) mice at different time-points during the reloading/regeneration phase following a 14-day hind-limb suspension period. Subsequently, expression levels of constituents of the PGC-1 signaling network as well as key parameters of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism were investigated.Results
In vitro, both knock-down as well as pharmacological inhibition of GSK-3β not only increased expression levels of important constituents of the PGC-1 signaling network, but also potentiated myogenic differentiation-associated increases in mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial DNA copy number, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) protein abundance and the activity of key enzymes involved in the Krebs cycle and fatty acid β-oxidation. In addition, GSK-3β KO animals showed augmented reloading-induced increases in skeletal muscle gene expression of constituents of the PGC-1 signaling network as well as sub-units of OXPHOS complexes compared to wild-type animals.Conclusion
Inactivation of GSK-3β stimulates activation of PGC-1 signaling and mitochondrial biogenesis during myogenic differentiation and reloading of the skeletal musculature. 相似文献20.
Tae Sup Lee Young Kim Weiqi Zhang In Ho Song Ching-Hsuan Tung 《Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/General Subjects》2018,1862(5):1091-1100