Drosophila as a model for unfolded protein response research

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) is an organelle where most secretory and membrane proteins are synthesized, folded, and undergo further maturation. As numerous conditions can perturb such ER function, eukaryotic cells are equipped with responsive signaling pathways, widely referred to as the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). Chronic conditions of ER stress that cannot be fully resolved by UPR, or conditions that impair UPR signaling itself, are associated with many metabolic and degenerative diseases. In recent years, Drosophila has been actively employed to study such connections between UPR and disease. Notably, the UPR pathways are largely conserved between Drosophila and humans, and the mediating genes are essential for development in both organisms, indicating their requirement to resolve inherent stress. By now, many Drosophila mutations are known to impose stress in the ER, and a number of these appear similar to those that underlie human diseases. In addition, studies have employed the strategy of overexpressing human mutations in Drosophila tissues to perform genetic modifier screens. The fact that the basic UPR pathways are conserved, together with the availability of many human disease models in this organism, makes Drosophila a powerful tool for studying human disease mechanisms. [BMB Reports 2015; 48(8): 445-453]     

Loss of Oca2 disrupts the unfolded protein response and increases resistance to endoplasmic reticulum stress in melanocytes

Accumulation of proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) typically induces stress and initiates the unfolded protein response (UPR) to facilitate recovery. If homeostasis is not restored, apoptosis is induced. However, adaptation to chronic UPR activation can increase resistance to subsequent acute ER stress. We therefore investigated adaptive mechanisms in Oculocutaneous albinism type 2 (Oca2)‐null melanocytes where UPR signaling is arrested despite continued tyrosinase accumulation leading to resistance to the chemical ER stressor thapsigargin. Although thapsigargin triggers UPR activation, instead of Perk‐mediated phosphorylation of eIF2α, in Oca2‐null melanocytes, eIF2α was rapidly dephosphorylated upon treatment. Dephosphorylation was mediated by the Gadd34‐PP1α phosphatase complex. Gadd34‐complex inhibition blocked eIF2α dephosphorylation and significantly increased Oca2‐null melanocyte sensitivity to thapsigargin. Thus, Oca2‐null melanocytes adapt to acute ER stress by disruption of pro‐apoptotic Perk signaling, which promotes cell survival. This is the first study to demonstrate rapid eIF2α dephosphorylation as an adaptive mechanism to ER stress.     

Inter‐regulation of the unfolded protein response and auxin signaling

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a signaling network triggered by overload of protein‐folding demand in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a condition termed ER stress. The UPR is critical for growth and development; nonetheless, connections between the UPR and other cellular regulatory processes remain largely unknown. Here, we identify a link between the UPR and the phytohormone auxin, a master regulator of plant physiology. We show that ER stress triggers down‐regulation of auxin receptors and transporters in Arabidopsis thaliana. We also demonstrate that an Arabidopsis mutant of a conserved ER stress sensor IRE1 exhibits defects in the auxin response and levels. These data not only support that the plant IRE1 is required for auxin homeostasis, they also reveal a species‐specific feature of IRE1 in multicellular eukaryotes. Furthermore, by establishing that UPR activation is reduced in mutants of ER‐localized auxin transporters, including PIN5, we define a long‐neglected biological significance of ER‐based auxin regulation. We further examine the functional relationship of IRE1 and PIN5 by showing that an ire1 pin5 triple mutant enhances defects of UPR activation and auxin homeostasis in ire1 or pin5. Our results imply that the plant UPR has evolved a hormone‐dependent strategy for coordinating ER function with physiological processes.     

Characterization of the unfolded state of bovine alpha-lactalbumin and comparison with unfolded states of homologous proteins

The unfolded states of three homologous proteins with a very similar fold have been investigated by heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy. Secondary structure propensities as derived from interpretation of chemical shifts and motional restrictions as evidenced by heteronuclear (15)N relaxation rates have been analyzed in the reduced unfolded states of hen lysozyme and the calcium-binding proteins bovine alpha-lactalbumin and human alpha-lactalbumin. For all three proteins, significant deviations from random-coil predictions can be identified; in addition, the unfolded states also differ from each other, despite the fact that they possess very similar structures in their native states. Deviations from random-coil motional properties are observed in the alpha- and the beta-domain in bovine alpha-lactalbumin and lysozyme, while only regions within the alpha-domain deviate in human alpha-lactalbumin. The motional restrictions and residual secondary structure are determined both by the amino acid sequence of the protein and by residual long-range interactions. Even a conservative single point mutation from I to L in a highly conserved region between the two alpha-lactalbumins results in considerable differences in the motional properties. Given the differences in oxidative folding between hen lysozyme and alpha-lactalbumin, the results obtained on the unfolded states suggest that residual long-range interactions, i.e., those between the alpha- and the beta-domain of lysozyme, may act as nucleation sites for protein folding, while this property of residual structure is replaced by the calcium-binding site between the domains in alpha-lactalbumin.     

Role of the promyelocytic leukaemia protein in cell death regulation

The promyelocytic leukaemia gene PML was originally identified at the t(15;17) translocation of acute promyelocytic leukaemia, which generates the oncogene PML-retinoic acid receptor α. PML epitomises a subnuclear structure called PML nuclear body. Current models propose that PML through its scaffold properties is able to control cell growth and survival at many different levels. Here we discuss the current literature and propose new avenues for investigation.     

Neurodegeneration risk factor,EIF2AK3 (PERK), influences tau protein aggregation

Tauopathies are neurodegenerative diseases caused by pathologic misfolded tau protein aggregation in the nervous system. Population studies implicate EIF2AK3 (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 3), better known as PERK (protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase), as a genetic risk factor in several tauopathies. PERK is a key regulator of intracellular proteostatic mechanisms—unfolded protein response and integrated stress response. Previous studies found that tauopathy-associated PERK variants encoded functional hypomorphs with reduced signaling in vitro. But, it remained unclear how altered PERK activity led to tauopathy. Here, we chemically or genetically modulated PERK signaling in cell culture models of tau aggregation and found that PERK pathway activation prevented tau aggregation, whereas inhibition exacerbated tau aggregation. In primary tauopathy patient brain tissues, we found that reduced PERK signaling correlated with increased tau neuropathology. We found that tauopathy-associated PERK variants targeted the endoplasmic reticulum luminal domain; and two of these variants damaged hydrogen bond formation. Our studies support that PERK activity protects against tau aggregation and pathology. This may explain why people carrying hypomorphic PERK variants have increased risk for developing tauopathies. Finally, our studies identify small-molecule augmentation of PERK signaling as an attractive therapeutic strategy to treat tauopathies by preventing tau pathology.     

Targeting β-tubulin:CCT-β complexes incurs Hsp90- and VCP-related protein degradation and induces ER stress-associated apoptosis by triggering capacitative Ca2+ entry,mitochondrial perturbation and caspase overactivation

We have previously demonstrated that interrupting the protein–protein interaction (PPI) of β-tubulin:chaperonin-containing TCP-1β (CCT-β) induces the selective killing of multidrug-resistant cancer cells due to CCT-β overexpression. However, the molecular mechanism has not yet been identified. In this study, we found that CCT-β interacts with a myriad of intracellular proteins involved in the cellular functions of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, cytoskeleton, proteasome and apoptosome. Our data show that the targeted cells activate both the heat-shock protein 90 (Hsp90)-associated protein ubiquitination/degradation pathway to eliminate misfolded proteins in the cytoplasm and the valosin-containing protein (VCP)-centered ER-associated protein degradation pathway to reduce the excessive levels of unfolded polypeptides from the ER, thereby mitigating ER stress, at the onset of β-tubulin:CCT-β complex disruption. Once ER stress is expanded, ER stress-associated apoptotic signaling is enforced, as exhibited by cellular vacuolization and intracellular Ca²⁺ release. Furthermore, the elevated intracellular Ca²⁺ levels resulting from capacitative Ca²⁺ entry augments apoptotic signaling by provoking mitochondrial perturbation and caspase overactivation in the targeted cells. These findings not only provide a detailed picture of the apoptotic signaling cascades evoked by targeting the β-tubulin:CCT-β complex but also demonstrate a strategy to combat malignancies with chemoresistance to Hsp90- and VCP-related anticancer agents.     

AtIRE1A/AtIRE1B and AGB1 independently control two essential unfolded protein response pathways in Arabidopsis

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has the ability to maintain the balance between demand for and synthesis of secretory proteins. To ensure protein‐folding homeostasis in the ER, cells invoke signaling pathways known as the unfolded protein response (UPR). To initiate UPR, yeasts largely rely on a conserved sensor, IRE1. In metazoans, there are at least three independent UPR signalling pathways. Some UPR transducers have been identified in plants, but no genetic interaction among them has yet been examined. The Arabidopsis genome encodes two IRE1 sequence homologs, AtIRE1A and AtIRE1B. Here we provide evidence that AtIRE1A and AtIRE1B have overlapping functions that are essential for the plant UPR. A double mutant of AtIRE1A and AtIRE1B, atire1a atire1b, showed reduced ER stress tolerance and a compromised UPR activation phenotype. We have also established that Arabidopsis AGB1, a subunit of the ubiquitous heterotrimeric GTP‐binding protein family, and AtIRE1A/AtIRE1B independently control two essential plant UPR pathways. By demonstrating that atire1a atire1b has a short root phenotype that is enhanced by an agb1 loss‐of‐function mutation, we have identified a role for UPR transducers in organ growth regulation.     

Structure of palmitoylated BET3: insights into TRAPP complex assembly and membrane localization

BET3 is a component of TRAPP, a complex involved in the tethering of transport vesicles to the cis-Golgi membrane. The crystal structure of human BET3 has been determined to 1.55-A resolution. BET3 adopts an alpha/beta-plait fold and forms dimers in the crystal and in solution, which predetermines the architecture of TRAPP where subunits are present in equimolar stoichiometry. A hydrophobic pocket within BET3 buries a palmitate bound through a thioester linkage to cysteine 68. BET3 and yeast Bet3p are palmitoylated in recombinant yeast cells, the mutant proteins BET3 C68S and Bet3p C80S remain unmodified. Both BET3 and BET3 C68S are found in membrane and cytosolic fractions of these cells; in membrane extractions, they behave like tightly membrane-associated proteins. In a deletion strain, both Bet3p and Bet3p C80S rescue cell viability. Thus, palmitoylation is neither required for viability nor sufficient for membrane association of BET3, which may depend on protein-protein contacts within TRAPP or additional, yet unidentified modifications of BET3. A conformational change may facilitate palmitoyl extrusion from BET3 and allow the fatty acid chain to engage in intermolecular hydrophobic interactions.     

AMP-activated protein kinase-��1 as an activating kinase of TGF-��-activated kinase 1 has a key role in inflammatory signals

Although previous studies have proposed plausible mechanisms of the activation of transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) in inflammatory signals, including Toll-like receptors (TLRs), its activating kinase still remains to be unclear. In the present study, we have provided evidences that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-α1 has a pivotal role for activating TAK1, and thereby regulate NF-κB-dependent gene expressions in inflammatory signaling mediated by TLR4 and TNF-α stimulation. AMPK-α1 specifically interacts with TAK1 and reciprocally regulates their kinase activities. Upon the stimulation of lipopolysaccharide, AMPK-α1-knockdown (AMPK-α1^KD) or TAK1-knockdown human monocytic THP-1 cells exhibit a dramatic reduction in the TAK1 or AMPK-α1 kinase activity, respectively, and subsequent suppressions of its downstream signaling cascades, which further leads to inhibitions of NF-κB and thereby productions of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Importantly, the microarray analysis of AMPK-α1^KD cells revealed a dramatic reduction in the NF-κB-dependent genes induced by TLR4 and TNF-α stimulation, and the observation was in significant correlation with the results of quantitative real-time PCR. Moreover, AMPK-α1^KD cells are highly sensitive to the TNF-α-induced apoptosis, which is accompanied with dramatic reductions in the NF-κB-dependent and anti-apoptotic genes. As a result, our data demonstrate that AMPK-α1 as an activating kinase of TAK1 has a key role in mediating inflammatory signals triggered by TLR4 and TNF-α.     

Organismal regulation of XBP-1-mediated unfolded protein response during development and immune activation

The increased demand on protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) during bacterial infection activates the unfolded protein response (UPR). OCTR-1-a G protein-coupled catecholamine receptor expressed in neurons-suppresses innate immunity by downregulating a non-canonical UPR pathway and the p38 MAPK pathway. Here, we show that OCTR-1 also regulates the canonical UPR pathway, which is controlled by XBP-1, at the organismal level. Importantly, XBP-1 is not under OCTR-1 control during development, only at the adult stage. Our results indicate that the nervous system temporally controls the UPR pathway to maintain ER homeostasis during development and immune activation.     

PERK-dependent compartmentalization of ERAD and unfolded protein response machineries during ER stress

Accumulation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) activates the ER membrane kinases PERK and IRE1 leading to the unfolded protein response (UPR). We show here that UPR activation triggers PERK and IRE1 segregation from BiP and their sorting with misfolded proteins to the ER-derived quality control compartment (ERQC), a pericentriolar compartment that we had identified previously. PERK phosphorylates translation factor eIF2alpha, which then accumulates on the cytosolic side of the ERQC. Dominant negative PERK or eIF2alpha(S51A) mutants prevent the compartmentalization, whereas eIF2alpha(S51D) mutant, which mimics constitutive phosphorylation, promotes it. This suggests a feedback loop where eIF2alpha phosphorylation causes pericentriolar concentration at the ERQC, which in turn amplifies the UPR. ER-associated degradation (ERAD) is an UPR-dependent process; we also find that ERAD components (Sec61beta, HRD1, p97/VCP, ubiquitin) are recruited to the ERQC, making it a likely site for retrotranslocation. In addition, we show that autophagy, suggested to play a role in elimination of aggregated proteins, is unrelated to protein accumulation in the ERQC.     

Solution structure of the hypothetical protein Mth677 from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum: a novel alpha+beta fold

The structure of Mth677, a hypothetical protein from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum (Mth), has been determined by using heteronuclear nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods on a double-labeled (15)N-(13)C sample. Mth677 adopts a novel alpha+beta fold, consisting of two alpha-helices (one N terminal and one C terminal) packed on the same side of a central beta-hairpin. This structure is likely shared by its three orthologs, detected in three other Archaebacteria. There are no clear features in the sequences of these proteins or in the genome organization of Mth to make a reliable functional assignment to this protein. However, the structural similarity to Escherichia coli MinE, the protein which controls that division occurs at the midcell site, lends support to the proposal that Mth677 might be, in Mth, the counterpart of the topological specificity domain of MinE in E. coli.