Association of the eukaryotic V1VO ATPase subunits a with d and d with A

Owing to the complex nature of V₁V_O ATPases, identification of neighboring subunits is essential for mechanistic understanding of this enzyme. Here, we describe the links between the V₁ headpiece and the V_O-domain of the yeast V₁V_O ATPase via subunit A and d as well as the V_O subunits a and d using surface plasmon resonance and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Binding constants of about 60 and 200 nM have been determined for the a-d and d-A assembly, respectively. The data are discussed in light of subunit a and d forming a peripheral stalk, connecting the catalytic A₃B₃ hexamer with V_O.

Structured summary

MINT-7012054: d (uniprotkb:P32366) binds (MI:0407) to A (uniprotkb:P17255) by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (MI:0052)MINT-7012041: d (uniprotkb:P32366) binds (MI:0407) to A (uniprotkb:P17255) by surface plasmon resonance (MI:0107)MINT-7012028: d (uniprotkb:P32366) binds (MI:0407) to a (uniprotkb:P32563) by surface plasmon resonance (MI:0107)     

Direct interaction and functional coupling between voltage-gated CaV1.3 Ca channel and GABAB receptor subunit 2

Although Ca_V1.2 and Ca_V1.3 are two subtypes of L-type Ca²⁺ channels expressed in the CNS, functions of Ca_V1.3 have not been well elucidated compared to Ca_V1.2. Here, we found that Ca_V1.3-NT associates with GABA_BR2-CT using yeast two-hybrid, GST pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation assays. We also demonstrated co-localization of Ca_V1.3 and GABA_BR2 in HEK293 cells and cultured hippocampal neurons. Whole-cell patch-clamp and Ca²⁺-imaging experiments revealed that activation of GABA_BR increases Ca_V1.3 currents and intracellular Ca²⁺ via Ca_V1.3, but not Ca_V1.2. These results show a physical and functional interaction between Ca_V1.3 and GABA_BR, suggesting the potential pivotal roles of Ca_V1.3 in the CNS.

Structured summary

MINT-7975667: Cav1.3 (uniprotkb:P27732) physically interacts (MI:0915) with GABABR2 (uniprotkb:O88871) by two hybrid (MI:0018)MINT-7975740: Cav1.3 (uniprotkb:P27732) and GABABR2 (uniprotkb:O75899) colocalize (MI:0403) by fluorescence microscopy (MI:0416)MINT-7966007, MINT-7966016: Cav1.3 (uniprotkb:P27732) physically interacts (MI:0915) with GABABR2 (uniprotkb:O88871) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)MINT-7975712, MINT-7975691: Cav1.3 (uniprotkb:P27732) physically interacts (MI:0915) with GABABR2 (uniprotkb:O88871) by pull down (MI:0096)MINT-7966026: GABABR2 (uniprotkb:O88871) and Cav1.3 (uniprotkb:P27732) colocalize (MI:0403) by fluorescence microscopy (MI:0416)     

IbpA the small heat shock protein from Escherichia coli forms fibrils in the absence of its cochaperone IbpB

Small heat shock proteins (sHsps) associate with aggregated proteins, changing their physical properties in such a way that chaperone mediated disaggregation becomes much more efficient. In Escherichia coli two small Hsps, IbpA and IbpB, exist. They are 48% identical at the amino acid level, yet their roles in stabilisation of protein aggregates are quite distinct. Here we analysed the biochemical properties of IbpA. We found that IbpA assembles into protofilaments which in turn form mature fibrils. Such fibrils are atypical for sHsps. Interaction of IbpA with either its cochaperone IbpB or an aggregated substrate blocks IbpA fibril formation.

Structured summary

MINT-7876715: ibpA (uniprotkb:P0C054) and ibpA (uniprotkb:P0C054) bind (MI:0407) by molecular sieving (MI:0071)MINT-7888427: ibpB (uniprotkb:P0C058) and ibpB (uniprotkb:P0C058) bind (MI:0407) by molecular sieving (MI:0071)MINT-7888448: ibpA (uniprotkb:P0C054) and ibpA (uniprotkb:P0C054) bind (MI:0407) by electron microscopy (MI:0040)MINT-7888434: ibpB (uniprotkb:P0C058) and ibpB (uniprotkb:P0C058) bind (MI:0407) by electron microscopy (MI:0040)MINT-7888459: ibpA (uniprotkb:P0C054) and ibpA (uniprotkb:P0C054) bind (MI:0407) by fluorescence microscopy (MI:0416)     

Radioprotection by short-term oxidative preconditioning: Role of manganese superoxide dismutase

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is vital to the protection of mitochondria and cells against oxidative stress. Earlier, we demonstrated that catalytically active homo-tetramer of MnSOD can be stabilized by oxidative cross-linking. Here we report that this effect may be translated into increased radioresistance of mouse embryonic cells (MECs) by pre-exposure to oxidative stress. Pre-treatment of MECs with antimycin A, rotenone or H₂O₂ increased their survival after irradiation. Using MnSOD siRNA, we show that MECs with decreased MnSOD levels displayed a lowered ability to preconditioning. Thus oxidative preconditioning may be used for targeted regulation of MnSOD.

Structured summary

MINT-7288408: MnSOD (uniprotkb:P04179) and MnSOD (uniprotkb:P04179) physically interact (MI:0915) by zymography (MI:0512)     

A cold-induced thioredoxin h of rice, OsTrx23, negatively regulates kinase activities of OsMPK3 and OsMPK6 in vitro

Cytosolic thioredoxins are small conserved proteins that are involved in cellular redox regulation. Here, we report that a major and cold-induced thioredoxin h of rice, OsTrx23, has an inhibitory activity on stress-activated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), OsMPK3 and OsMPK6 in vitro. This inhibition effects were redox-dependent and did not involve stable physical interaction. The data suggested a novel mechanism for redox regulation of MAPKs in plants.

Structured summary

MINT-7234362: MPK3 (uniprotkb:Q10N20) phosphorylates (MI:0217) MBP (uniprotkb:P02687) by protein kinase assay (MI:0424)MINT-7234435: MPK6 (uniprotkb:Q336X9) phosphorylates (MI:0217) MBP (uniprotkb:P02687) by protein kinase assay (MI:0424)     

Adenosine A2A receptors assemble into higher-order oligomers at the plasma membrane

Oligomerization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is known to play important roles in regulating receptor pharmacology and function. Whereas many bivalent GPCR interactions have been described, the stoichiometry and localization of GPCR oligomers are largely unknown. We have used bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) to study adenosine A_2A receptor (A_2AR) oligomerization. The data suggest specificity of the A_2AR/A_2AR interaction monitored by BiFC and proper sub-cellular localization of tagged receptors. Moreover, using a novel approach combining fluorescence resonance energy transfer and BiFC, we found that at least three A_2A receptors assemble into higher-order oligomers at the plasma membrane in Cath.A differentiated neuronal cells.

Structured summary

MINT-6797156, MINT-6797142: A2AR (uniprotkb:P29274) physically interacts (MI:0218) with A2AR (uniprotkb:P29274) by bimolecular fluorescence complementation (MI:0809)

MINT-6797129: A2AR (uniprotkb:P29274) physically interacts (MI:0218) with A2AR (uniprotkb:P29274) by fluorescent resonance energy transfer (MI:0055)

     

An aminopeptidase from Streptomyces sp. KK565 degrades beta amyloid monomers, oligomers and fibrils

The accumulation of beta amyloid (Aβ) has been a primary target for Alzheimer disease therapeutic strategies. Previously, we discovered an activity from Streptomyces sp. KK565 growth media that inhibits Aβ aggregation. The active component was an aminopeptidase and named Streptomyces sp. KK565 aminopeptidase (SKAP). SKAP cleaved N-terminal amino-acids of Aβ_1-42 monomer, inhibited formation of fibrils and protected Aβ_1-42-induced neurotoxicity. Over-expression of a human homolog of SKAP, glutamate carboxypeptidase II (hGCPII) in Aβ-oversynthesizing cells dramatically reduced the Aβ levels. These findings suggest a possible role of M28 family peptidases in preventing Aβ deposits in mammalian brain.

Structured summary

MINT-7992796: SKAP (uniprotkb:Q306T3) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Abeta (uniprotkb:P05067) by protease assay (MI:0435)MINT-7992752, MINT-7992778: SKAP (uniprotkb:Q306T3) binds (MI:0407) to Abeta (uniprotkb:P05067) by protease assay (MI:0435)     

Beta-2 adrenergic receptor mediated ERK activation is regulated by interaction with MAGI-3

The beta-2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) has a carboxyl terminus motif that can interact with PSD-95/discs-large/ZO1 homology (PDZ) domain-containing proteins. In this paper, we identified membrane-associated guanylate kinase inverted-3 (MAGI-3) as a novel binding partner of β2AR. The carboxyl terminus of β2AR binds with high affinity to the fifth PDZ domain of MAGI-3, with the last four amino acids (D-S-L-L) of the receptor being the key determinants of the interaction. In cells, the association of full-length β2AR with MAGI-3 occurs constitutively and is enhanced by agonist stimulation of the receptor. Our data also demonstrated that β2AR-stimulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2) activation was substantially retarded by MAGI-3 expression. These data suggest that MAGI-3 regulates β2AR-mediated ERK activation through the physical interaction between β2AR and MAGI-3.

Structured summary

MINT-7716556: beta2AR (uniprotkb:P07550) physically interacts (MI:0915) with MAGI-3 (uniprotkb:Q5TCQ9) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)MINT-7716593: beta2AR (uniprotkb:P18762) physically interacts (MI:0915) with MAGI-3 (uniprotkb:Q9EQJ9) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)MINT-7716630: MAGI-3 (uniprotkb:Q5TCQ9) and beta2AR (uniprotkb:P07550) colocalize (MI:0403) by fluorescence microscopy (MI:0416)MINT-7716382, MINT-7716335: MAGI-3 (uniprotkb:Q5TCQ9) physically interacts (MI:0915) with beta2AR (uniprotkb:P07550) by pull down (MI:0096)MINT-7716320, MINT-7716422, MINT-7716502, MINT-7716450, MINT-7716470: beta2AR (uniprotkb:P07550) binds (MI:0407) to MAGI-3 (uniprotkb:Q5TCQ9) by pull down (MI:0096)     

Feedback regulation of Ras2 guanine nucleotide exchange factor (Ras2-GEF) activity of Cdc25p by Cdc25p phosphorylation in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Ras-GEF Cdc25p has been found to be hyperphosphorylated upon glucose addition. This work provides evidence indicating that PKA activity positively regulates the degree of Cdc25p phosphorylation, and that the intracellular association of Cdc25p and Ras2p is independent of PKA activity. In vitro experiments revealed that the Ras2-GEF activity of Cdc25p is inhibited by Cdc25p phosphorylation. These data suggest a negative feedback mechanism by which intracellular cAMP synthesis is inhibited by PKA through Cdc25p phosphorylation.

Structured summary

MINT-8053016: CDC25p (uniprotkb:P04821) physically interacts (MI:0915) with ras2p (uniprotkb:P01120) by anti tag co-immunoprecipitation (MI:0007)MINT-8053030: ras2p (uniprotkb:P01120) physically interacts (MI:0915) with CDC25p (uniprotkb:P04821) by anti bait co-immunoprecipitation (MI:0006)     

Polo-like kinase-1 phosphorylates MDM2 at Ser260 and stimulates MDM2-mediated p53 turnover

The E3 ubiqutin ligase, murne double-minute clone 2 (MDM2), promotes the degradation of p53 under normal homeostatic conditions. Several serine residues within the acidic domain of MDM2 are phosphorylated to maintain its activity but become hypo-phosphorylated following DNA damage, leading to inactivation of MDM2 and induction of p53. However, the signalling pathways that mediate these phosphorylation events are not fully understood. Here we show that the oncogenic and cell cycle-regulatory protein kinase, polo-like kinase-1 (PLK1), phosphorylates MDM2 at one of these residues, Ser260, and stimulates MDM2-mediated turnover of p53. These data are consistent with the idea that deregulation of PLK1 during tumourigenesis may help suppress p53 function.

Structured summary

MINT-7266353: MDM2 (uniprotkb:Q00987) physically interacts (MI:0915) with PLK1 (uniprotkb:P53350) by pull down (MI:0096)MINT-7266344, MINT-7266329: MDM2 (uniprotkb:Q00987) physically interacts (MI:0915) with PLK1 (uniprotkb:P53350) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)MINT-7266250: PLK1 (uniprotkb:P53350) phosphorylates (MI:0217) p53 (uniprotkb:P04637) by protein kinase assay (MI:0424)MINT-7266241, MINT-7266318: PLK1 (uniprotkb:P53350) phosphorylates (MI:0217) MDM2 (uniprotkb:P23804) by protein kinase assay (MI:0424)MINT-7266231, MINT-7266805, MINT-7266264, MINT-7266299: PLK1 (uniprotkb:P53350) phosphorylates (MI:0217) MDM2 (uniprotkb:Q00987) by protein kinase assay (MI:0424)     

A selective small-molecule inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1

Indiscriminately suppressing total c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity is not an appropriate strategy because each JNK appears to have a distinct function in cancer, asthma, diabetes, or Parkinson’s disease. Herein, we report that 7-(6-N-phenylaminohexyl)amino-2H-anthra[1,9-cd]pyrazol-6-one (AV-7) inhibited JNK1 activity, but not JNK2 or JNK3. We found that ultraviolet B (UVB) induced c-Jun phosphorylation and sub-G1 accumulation in JNK2^−/− murine embryonic fibroblasts, which contain an abundance of JNK1, but not JNK2. These results demonstrate that AV-7 is an isoform selective small-molecule inhibitor of JNK1 activity, which might be developed as a therapeutic against diabetes.

Structured summary

MINT-7148332: JNK3 (uniprotkb:P53779) phosphorylates (MI:0217) c-JUN (uniprotkb:P05412) by protein kinase assay (MI:0424)MINT-7148323: JNK2 (uniprotkb:P45984) phosphorylates (MI:0217) c-JUN (uniprotkb:P05412) by protein kinase assay (MI:0424)MINT-7148314: JNK1 (uniprotkb:P45983) phosphorylates (MI:0217) c-JUN (uniprotkb:P05412) by protein kinase assay (MI:0424)     

Myosin 1G (Myo1G) is a haematopoietic specific myosin that localises to the plasma membrane and regulates cell elasticity

Immune cells navigate through different environments where they experience different mechanical forces. Responses to external forces are determined by the mechanical properties of a cell and they depend to a large extent on the actin-rich cell cortex. We report here that Myo1G, a previously uncharacterised member of class I myosins, is expressed specifically in haematopoietic tissues and cells. It is associated with the plasma membrane. This association is dependent on a conserved PH-domain-like myosin I tail homology motif and the head domain. However, the head domain does not need to be a functional motor. Knockdown of Myo1G in Jurkat cells decreased cell elasticity significantly. We propose that Myo1G regulates cell elasticity by deformations of the actin network at the cell cortex.

Structured summary

MINT-7307273: MYO1G (uniprotkb:B0I1T2) and Actin (uniprotkb:P60709) colocalize (MI:0403) by fluorescence microscopy (MI:0416) MINT-7307283: TfR (uniprotkb:P02786) and MYO1G (uniprotkb:B0I1T2) colocalize (MI:0403) by cosedimentation through density gradients (MI:0029)     

POSH2 is a RING finger E3 ligase with Rac1 binding activity through a partial CRIB domain

The Plenty of SH3 domains protein (POSH) is an E3 ligase and a scaffold in the JNK mediated apoptosis, linking Rac1 to downstream components.We here describe POSH2 which was identified from a p21-activated kinase 2 (PAK2) interactor screen. POSH2 is highly homologous with other members of the POSH family; it contains four Src homology 3 (SH3) domains and a RING finger domain which confers E3 ligase activity to the protein. In addition POSH2 contains an N-terminal extension which is conserved among its mammalian counterparts. POSH2 interacts with GTP-loaded Rac1. We have mapped this interaction to a previously unrecognized partial Cdc42/Rac1-interactive binding domain.

Structured summary

MINT-7987761: POSH1 (uniprotkb:Q9HAM2) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Ubiquitin (uniprotkb:P62988) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)MINT-7987932: PAK2 (uniprotkb:Q13177) binds (MI:0407) to CDC42 (uniprotkb:Q07912) by solid phase assay (MI:0892)MINT-7987908: POSH1 (uniprotkb:Q9HAM2) binds (MI:0407) to Rac1 (uniprotkb:P63000) by solid phase assay (MI:0892)MINT-7987880: POSH2 (uniprotkb:Q8TEJ3) binds (MI:0407) to Rac1 (uniprotkb:P63000) by solid phase assay (MI:0892)MINT-7987734: POSH2 (uniprotkb:Q8TEJ3) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Ubiquitin (uniprotkb:P62988) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)MINT-7987779, MINT-7987804, MINT-7987824, MINT-7987838, MINT-7987853: Rac1 (uniprotkb:P63000) physically interacts (MI:0915) with POSH2 (uniprotkb:Q8TEJ3) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)MINT-7987920: PAK2 (uniprotkb:Q13177) binds (MI:0407) to Rac1 (uniprotkb:P63000) by solid phase assay (MI:0892)     

HO1 and PcyA proteins involved in phycobilin biosynthesis form a 1:2 complex with ferredoxin-1 required for photosynthesis

The HO1 and PcyA genes, encoding heme oxygenase-1 (HO1) and phycocyanobilin (PCB):ferredoxin (Fd) oxidoreductase (PcyA), respectively, are required for chromophore synthesis in photosynthetic light-harvesting complexes, photoreceptors, and circadian clocks. In the PCB biosynthetic pathway, heme first undergoes cleavage to form biliverdin. I confirmed that Fd1 induced the formation of a stable and functional HO1 complex by the gel mobility shift assay. Furthermore, analysis by a chemical cross-linking technique designed to detect protein-protein interactions revealed that HO1 and PcyA directly interact with Fd in a 1:2 ratio. Thus, Fd1, a one-electron carrier protein in photosynthesis, drives the phycobilin biosynthetic pathway.

Structured summary

MINT-7014657: Fd1 (uniprotkb:P0A3C9) and HO1 (uniprotkb:Q8DLW1) bind (MI:0407) by comigration in non-denaturing gel electrophoresis (MI:0404)MINT-7014666: HO1 (uniprotkb:Q8DLW1 and Fd1 (uniprotkb:P0A3C9) bind (MI:0407) by cross-linking studies (MI:0030)MINT-7014675: PcyA (uniprotkb:P59288) and Fd1 (uniprotkb:P0A3C9) bind (MI:0407) by cross-linking studies (MI:0030)     

Importin β3 mediates the nuclear import of human ribosomal protein L7 through its interaction with the multifaceted basic clusters of L7

We show that importin β3 is essential for the nuclear import of L7. The import is mediated via the multifaceted basic amino acid clusters present in the NH₂-region of L7, and is RanGTP-dependent. Using a (EGFP)₃ reporter system and a FRAP assay, the role the individual clusters play as a functional NLS has been characterized, and each cluster was found to exhibit a different rate of real time nuclear uptake. We assume that having such a multiple NLS may provide L7 with preferential nuclear uptake.

Structured summary

MINT-7992735: Importin beta-3 (uniprotkb:O00410) binds (MI:0407) to L7 (uniprotkb:P18124) by biophysical (MI:0013)MINT-7992687: L7 (uniprotkb:P18124) binds (MI:0407) to Importin beta-3 (uniprotkb:O00410) by filter binding (MI:0049)MINT-7992699: L7 (uniprotkb:P18124) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Importin beta-3 (uniprotkb:O00410) by affinity chromatography technology (MI:0004)MINT-7992718: L7 (uniprotkb:P18124) physically interacts (MI:0915) with RAN (uniprotkb:P62826) by competition binding (MI:0405)MINT-7992671: L7 (uniprotkb:P18124) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Importin beta-3 (uniprotkb:O00410) by pull down (MI:0096)     

The fast-mobility isoform of mouse Mcl-1 is a mitochondrial matrix-localized protein with attenuated anti-apoptotic activity

The full-length pro-survival protein Mcl-1 predominantly resides on the outer membrane of mitochondria. Here, we identified a mitochondrial matrix-localized isoform of Mcl-1 that lacks 33 amino acid residues at the N-terminus which serve both as a mitochondrial targeting and processing signal. Ectopically-expressed Mcl-1 without the N-terminal 33 residues failed to enter the mitochondrial matrix but retained wt-like activities both for interaction with BH3-only proteins and anti-apoptosis. In contrast, the mitochondrial matrix-localized isoform failed to interact with BH3-only proteins and manifested an attenuated anti-apoptotic activity. This study reveals that import of Mcl-1 into the mitochondrial matrix results in the attenuation of Mcl-1’s anti-apoptotic function.

Structured summary

MINT-7965637: NOXA (uniprotkb:Q9JM54) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Mcl-1 (uniprotkb:P97287) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)MINT-7965699: Mcl-1 (uniprotkb:P97287) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Bim (uniprotkb:O43521) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)MINT-7965655: Mcl-1 (uniprotkb:P97287) physically interacts (MI:0915) with NOXA (uniprotkb:Q9JM54) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)MINT-7965711: Bim (uniprotkb:O43521) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Mcl-1 (uniprotkb:P97287) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)MINT-7965673: PUMA (uniprotkb:Q9BXH1) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Mcl-1 (uniprotkb:P97287) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)MINT-7965685: Mcl-1 (uniprotkb:P97287) physically interacts (MI:0915) with PUMA (uniprotkb:Q9BXH1) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)