MCL-1 is a stress sensor that regulates autophagy in a developmentally regulated manner

Apoptosis has an important role during development to regulate cell number. In differentiated cells, however, activation of autophagy has a critical role by enabling cells to remain functional following stress. In this study, we show that the antiapoptotic BCL-2 homologue MCL-1 has a key role in controlling both processes in a developmentally regulated manner. Specifically, MCL-1 degradation is an early event not only following induction of apoptosis, but also under nutrient deprivation conditions where MCL-1 levels regulate activation of autophagy. Furthermore, deletion of MCL-1 in cortical neurons of transgenic mice activates a robust autophagic response. This autophagic response can, however, be converted to apoptosis by either reducing the levels of the autophagy regulator Beclin-1, or by a concomitant activation of BAX. Our results define a pathway whereby MCL-1 has a key role in determining cell fate, by coordinately regulating apoptosis and autophagy.     

Escherichia coli HypA is a zinc metalloprotein with a weak affinity for nickel

The hyp operon encodes accessory proteins that are required for the maturation of the [NiFe] hydrogenase enzymes and, in some organisms, for the production of urease enzymes as well. HypA or a homologous protein is required for nickel insertion into the hydrogenase precursor proteins. In this study, recombinant HypA from Escherichia coli was purified and characterized in vitro. Metal analysis was used to demonstrate that HypA simultaneously binds stoichiometric Zn(2+) and stoichiometric Ni(2+). Competition experiments with a metallochromic indicator reveal that HypA binds zinc with nanomolar affinity. Spectroscopic analysis of cobalt-containing HypA provides evidence for a tetrathiolate coordination sphere, suggesting that the zinc site has a structural role. In addition, HypA can exist as several oligomeric complexes and the zinc content modulates the quaternary structure of the protein. Fluorescence titration experiments demonstrate that HypA binds nickel with micromolar affinity and that the presence of zinc does not dramatically affect the nickel-binding activity. Finally, complex formation between HypA and HypB, another accessory protein required for nickel insertion, was observed. These experiments suggest that HypA is an architectural component of the hydrogenase metallocenter assembly pathway and that it may also have a direct role in the delivery of nickel to the hydrogenase large subunit.     

The major herpes simplex virus type-1 DNA-binding protein is a zinc metalloprotein.

The primary amino acid sequence of the major herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)-infected cell polypeptide 8 (ICP8) deduced from the DNA sequence of the unique long open reading frame 29 (UL29 ORF) contains a potential metal-binding domain of the form Cys-X2-5-Cys-X2-15-A-X2-4-A where A may be either histidine or cysteine and X is any amino acid. The putative metal-binding sequence in ICP8 encompasses residues 499-512 as follows: C-N-L-C-T-F-D-T-R-H-A-C-V-H-. Atomic absorption analysis of several preparations of ICP8 indicates the presence of 1 mol of zinc/mol of protein. The zinc is resistant to removal by dialysis against concentrations of EDTA which deplete zinc from alcohol dehydrogenase. The bound zinc can be removed by reaction with the reversible sulfhydryl reagent p-hydroxymercurimethylsulfonate and the zinc-depleted protein transiently retains DNA binding activity. Digestion of both native and zinc-depleted ICP8 with V8 protease indicates that the bound zinc is required for the structural integrity of the protein.     

Otoferlin is a calcium sensor that directly regulates SNARE-mediated membrane fusion

Otoferlin is a large multi-C2 domain protein proposed to act as a calcium sensor that regulates synaptic vesicle exocytosis in cochlear hair cells. Although mutations in otoferlin have been associated with deafness, its contribution to neurotransmitter release is unresolved. Using recombinant proteins, we demonstrate that five of the six C2 domains of otoferlin sense calcium with apparent dissociation constants that ranged from 13-25 μM; in the presence of membranes, these apparent affinities increase by up to sevenfold. Using a reconstituted membrane fusion assay, we found that five of the six C2 domains of otoferlin stimulate membrane fusion in a calcium-dependent manner. We also demonstrate that a calcium binding-deficient form of the C2C domain is incapable of stimulating membrane fusion, further underscoring the importance of calcium for the protein's function. These results demonstrate for the first time that otoferlin is a calcium sensor that can directly regulate soluble N-ethyl-maleimide sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptor-mediated membrane fusion reactions.     

5'-nucleotidase from bull seminal plasma, chicken gizzard and snake venom is a zinc metalloprotein

Using flame atomic absorption spectrometry the tight association of zinc to three different purified 5'-nucleotidases at a molar ratio of 2 could be proven. These 5'-nucleotidases purified from bull seminal plasma (BSP), chicken gizzard (CG) and snake venom (SV) are thus zinc metalloproteins. Removal of zinc results in the loss of their AMPase activity, which could be fully restored after readdition of zinc at a molar ratio of 2, for BSP and CG, and 1.5, for SV 5'-nucleotidase. Reactivation of their AMPase activity after the removal of zinc could also be obtained by addition of cobalt and copper ions, which were found to also bind with a molar ratio of 2 to the three 5'-nucleotidases tested.     

Streptomyces griseus aminopeptidase is a calcium-activated zinc metalloprotein. Purification and properties of the enzyme

A heat-stable aminopeptidase with an N-terminal Ala-Pro-Asp-Ile-Pro-Leu sequence has been purified from Streptomyces griseus by heat treatment followed by gel-exclusion and anion-exchange chromatographic procedures. The enzyme is a monomeric zinc metalloenzyme showing an apparent molecular mass of 33 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and 21 kDa by gel filtration on Superose 12. Calcium ions bind to the enzyme, pKCa 4.5, and activate it about sixfold when the substrate is leucine-4-nitroanilide (0.4 mM in 50 mM Tris/HCl pH 8.0, 25 degrees C). Binding of Ca2+ also contributes to the thermal stability of the protein. This aminopeptidase may be useful for two-stage assays of bacterial and mammalian metalloendopeptidases; it may also serve in studies of proteolytic enzyme activation by calcium ions.     

MAPKAP kinase-2 is a cell cycle checkpoint kinase that regulates the G2/M transition and S phase progression in response to UV irradiation

The cellular response to DNA damage is mediated by evolutionarily conserved Ser/Thr kinases, phosphorylation of Cdc25 protein phosphatases, binding to 14-3-3 proteins, and exit from the cell cycle. To investigate DNA damage responses mediated by the p38/stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) axis of signaling, the optimal phosphorylation motifs of mammalian p38alpha SAPK and MAPKAP kinase-2 were determined. The optimal substrate motif for MAPKAP kinase-2, but not for p38 SAPK, closely matches the 14-3-3 binding site on Cdc25B/C. We show that MAPKAP kinase-2 is directly responsible for Cdc25B/C phosphorylation and 14-3-3 binding in vitro and in response to UV-induced DNA damage within mammalian cells. Downregulation of MAPKAP kinase-2 eliminates DNA damage-induced G2/M, G1, and intra S phase checkpoints. We propose that MAPKAP kinase-2 is a new member of the DNA damage checkpoint kinase family that functions in parallel with Chk1 and Chk2 to integrate DNA damage signaling responses and cell cycle arrest in mammalian cells.     

The G protein-coupled receptor gpr1 is a nutrient sensor that regulates pseudohyphal differentiation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Pseudohyphal differentiation in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is induced in diploid cells in response to nitrogen starvation and abundant fermentable carbon source. Filamentous growth requires at least two signaling pathways: the pheromone responsive MAP kinase cascade and the Gpa2p-cAMP-PKA signaling pathway. Recent studies have established a physical and functional link between the Galpha protein Gpa2 and the G protein-coupled receptor homolog Gpr1. We report here that the Gpr1 receptor is required for filamentous and haploid invasive growth and regulates expression of the cell surface flocculin Flo11. Epistasis analysis supports a model in which the Gpr1 receptor regulates pseudohyphal growth via the Gpa2p-cAMP-PKA pathway and independently of both the MAP kinase cascade and the PKA related kinase Sch9. Genetic and physiological studies indicate that the Gpr1 receptor is activated by glucose and other structurally related sugars. Because expression of the GPR1 gene is known to be induced by nitrogen starvation, the Gpr1 receptor may serve as a dual sensor of abundant carbon source (sugar ligand) and nitrogen starvation. In summary, our studies reveal a novel G protein-coupled receptor senses nutrients and regulates the dimorphic transition to filamentous growth via a Galpha protein-cAMP-PKA signal transduction cascade.     

Validation of the multiple sensor mechanism of the Keap1-Nrf2 system

The Keap1-Nrf2 system plays a critical role in cellular defense against electrophiles and reactive oxygen species. Keap1 possesses a number of cysteine residues, some of which are highly reactive and serves as sensors for these insults. Indeed, point mutation of Cys151 abrogates the response to certain electrophiles. However, this mutation does not affect the other set of electrophiles, suggesting that multiple sensor systems reside within the cysteine residues of Keap1. The precise contribution of each reactive cysteine to the sensor function of Keap1 remains to be clarified. To elucidate the contribution of Cys151 in vivo, in this study we adopted transgenic complementation rescue assays. Embryonic fibroblasts and primary peritoneal macrophages were prepared from mice expressing the Keap1-C151S mutant. These cells were challenged with various Nrf2 inducers. We found that some of the inducers triggered only marginal responses in Keap1-C151S-expressing cells, while others evoked responses in a comparable magnitude to those observed in the wild-type cells. We found that tert-butyl hydroquinone, diethylmaleate, sulforaphane, and dimethylfumarate were Cys151 preferable, whereas 15-deoxy-Δ(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2) (15d-PG-J(2)), 2-cyano-3,12 dioxooleana-1,9 diene-28-imidazolide (CDDO-Im), ebselen, nitro-oleic acid, and cadmium chloride were Cys151 independent. Experiments with embryonic fibroblasts and primary macrophages yielded consistent results. Experiments testing protective effects against the cytotoxicity of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene of sulforaphane and 15d-PG-J(2) in Keap1-C151S-expressing macrophages revealed that the former inducer was effective, while the latter was not. These results thus indicate that there exists distinct utilization of Keap1 cysteine residues by different chemicals that trigger the response of the Keap1-Nrf2 system, and further substantiate the notion that there are multiple sensing mechanisms within Keap1 cysteine residues.     

CBL1, a calcium sensor that differentially regulates salt,drought, and cold responses in Arabidopsis

Although calcium is a critical component in the signal transduction pathways that lead to stress gene expression in higher plants, little is known about the molecular mechanism underlying calcium function. It is believed that cellular calcium changes are perceived by sensor molecules, including calcium binding proteins. The calcineurin B-like (CBL) protein family represents a unique group of calcium sensors in plants. A member of the family, CBL1, is highly inducible by multiple stress signals, implicating CBL1 in stress response pathways. When the CBL1 protein level was increased in transgenic Arabidopsis plants, it altered the stress response pathways in these plants. Although drought-induced gene expression was enhanced, gene induction by cold was inhibited. In addition, CBL1-overexpressing plants showed enhanced tolerance to salt and drought but reduced tolerance to freezing. By contrast, cbl1 null mutant plants showed enhanced cold induction and reduced drought induction of stress genes. The mutant plants displayed less tolerance to salt and drought but enhanced tolerance to freezing. These studies suggest that CBL1 functions as a positive regulator of salt and drought responses and a negative regulator of cold response in plants.     

Perfluoroarene-based peptide macrocycles that inhibit the Nrf2/Keap1 interaction

The Nrf2/Keap1 interaction is a target in the development of new therapeutic agents, where inhibition of the interaction activates Nrf2 and leads to the generation of downstream anti-inflammatory effects. Peptides that mimic the β-turn in the Keap1 active site and are constrained by a disulfide bridge have high affinity for Keap1 but no intracellular activity. The introduction of a perfluoroalkyl-bridging group to constrain the peptides, coupled with a glutamic acid to proline replacement leads to a new peptide with a K_i of 6.1?nM for the Nrf2/Keap1 binding interaction, although this does not translate into intracellular activity.     

Bicarbonate-regulated adenylyl cyclase (sAC) is a sensor that regulates pH-dependent V-ATPase recycling

Modulation of environmental pH is critical for the function of many biological systems. However, the molecular identity of the pH sensor and its interaction with downstream effector proteins remain poorly understood. Using the male reproductive tract as a model system in which luminal acidification is critical for sperm maturation and storage, we now report a novel pathway for pH regulation linking the bicarbonate activated soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) to the vacuolar H+ATPase (V-ATPase). Clear cells of the epididymis and vas deferens contain abundant V-ATPase in their apical pole and are responsible for acidifying the lumen. Proton secretion is regulated via active recycling of V-ATPase. Here we demonstrate that this recycling is regulated by luminal pH and bicarbonate. sAC is highly expressed in clear cells, and apical membrane accumulation of V-ATPase is triggered by a sAC-dependent rise in cAMP in response to alkaline luminal pH. As sAC is expressed in other acid/base transporting epithelia, including kidney and choroid plexus, this cAMP-dependent signal transduction pathway may be a widespread mechanism that allows cells to sense and modulate extracellular pH.     

CNK1 is a scaffold protein that regulates Src-mediated Raf-1 activation

Raf-1 is a regulator of cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Activation of the Raf-1 kinase activity is tightly regulated and involves targeting to the membrane by Ras and phosphorylation by various kinases, including the tyrosine kinase Src. Here we demonstrate that the connector enhancer of Ksr1, CNK1, mediates Src-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of Raf-1. CNK1 binds preactivated Raf-1 and activated Src and forms a trimeric complex. CNK1 regulates the activation of Raf-1 by Src in a concentration-dependent manner typical for a scaffold protein. Down-regulation of endogenously expressed CNK1 by small inhibitory RNA interferes with Src-dependent activation of ERK. Thus, CNK1 allows cross-talk between Src and Raf-1 and is essential for the full activation of Raf-1.     

Keap1/Nrf2 signaling regulates oxidative stress tolerance and lifespan in Drosophila

Keap1/Nrf2 signaling defends organisms against the detrimental effects of oxidative stress and has been suggested to abate its consequences, including aging-associated diseases like neurodegeneration, chronic inflammation, and cancer. Nrf2 is a prominent target for drug discovery, and Nrf2-activating agents are in clinical trials for cancer chemoprevention. However, aberrant activation of Nrf2 by keap1 somatic mutations may contribute to carcinogenesis and promote resistance to chemotherapy. To evaluate potential functions of Keap1 and Nrf2 for organismal homeostasis, we characterized the pathway in Drosophila. We demonstrate that Keap1/Nrf2 signaling in the fruit fly is activated by oxidants, induces antioxidant and detoxification responses, and confers increased tolerance to oxidative stress. Importantly, keap1 loss-of-function mutations extend the lifespan of Drosophila males, supporting a role for Nrf2 signaling in the regulation of longevity. Interestingly, cancer chemopreventive drugs potently stimulate Drosophila Nrf2 activity, suggesting the fruit fly as an experimental system to identify and characterize such agents.     

MDM1 is a microtubule-binding protein that negatively regulates centriole duplication

Mouse double-minute 1 (Mdm1) was originally identified as a gene amplified in transformed mouse cells and more recently as being highly up-regulated during differentiation of multiciliated epithelial cells, a specialized cell type having hundreds of centrioles and motile cilia. Here we show that the MDM1 protein localizes to centrioles of dividing cells and differentiating multiciliated cells. 3D-SIM microscopy showed that MDM1 is closely associated with the centriole barrel, likely residing in the centriole lumen. Overexpression of MDM1 suppressed centriole duplication, whereas depletion of MDM1 resulted in an increase in granular material that likely represents early intermediates in centriole formation. We show that MDM1 binds microtubules in vivo and in vitro. We identified a repeat motif in MDM1 that is required for efficient microtubule binding and found that these repeats are also present in CCSAP, another microtubule-binding protein. We propose that MDM1 is a negative regulator of centriole duplication and that its function is mediated through microtubule binding.