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Zhou B, Zhang Y, Ni M, Bai Y, Shi Q, Zheng J, Cui Z. The involvement of VEGF and VEGFR in bacterial recognition and regulation of antimicrobial peptides in Eriocheir sinensis. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 270:132242. [PMID: 38729487 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF reporter (VEGFR) are essential molecules in VEGF signalling pathway. Although the functions of VEGF and VEGFR have been well reported in vertebrates, their functions are still poorly understood in invertebrates. In this study, the open reading frame sequences of EsVEGF1 and EsVEGFR4 were cloned from Eriocheir sinensis, and their corresponding proteins shared typical structure characteristics with their counterparts in other species. EsVEGF1 were predominantly expressed in hepatopancreas and muscle while EsVEGFR4 mainly expressed in hemocytes and intestine. The expression levels of EsVEGF1 in hemocytes were rapidly induced by Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and it also increased rapidly in hepatopancreas after being challenged with V. parahaemolyticus. The expression levels of EsVEGFR4 only increased in hepatopancreas of crabs injected with S. aureus. The extracellular immunoglobulin domain of EsVEGFR4 could bind with Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria as well as lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan. EsVEGF1 could act as the ligand for EsVEGFR4 and Toll-like receptor and regulate the expression of crustins and lysozyme with a tissue-specific manner, while have no regulatory function on that of anti-lipopolysaccharide factors. This study will provide new insights into the immune defense mechanisms mediated by VEGF and VEGFR in crustaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhou
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Mengqi Ni
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Yunhui Bai
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Qiao Shi
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Jinbin Zheng
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Zhaoxia Cui
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Pilot Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266071, China.
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2
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Leonard WJ, Lin JX. Strategies to therapeutically modulate cytokine action. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:827-854. [PMID: 37542128 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00746-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are secreted or membrane-presented molecules that mediate broad cellular functions, including development, differentiation, growth and survival. Accordingly, the regulation of cytokine activity is extraordinarily important both physiologically and pathologically. Cytokine and/or cytokine receptor engineering is being widely investigated to safely and effectively modulate cytokine activity for therapeutic benefit. IL-2 in particular has been extensively engineered, to create IL-2 variants that differentially exhibit activities on regulatory T cells to potentially treat autoimmune disease versus effector T cells to augment antitumour effects. Additionally, engineering approaches are being applied to many other cytokines such as IL-10, interferons and IL-1 family cytokines, given their immunosuppressive and/or antiviral and anticancer effects. In modulating the actions of cytokines, the strategies used have been broad, including altering affinities of cytokines for their receptors, prolonging cytokine half-lives in vivo and fine-tuning cytokine actions. The field is rapidly expanding, with extensive efforts to create improved therapeutics for a range of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren J Leonard
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Jian-Xin Lin
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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3
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Robert C, Kerff F, Bouillenne F, Gavage M, Vandevenne M, Filée P, Matagne A. Structural analysis of the interaction between human cytokine BMP-2 and the antagonist Noggin reveals molecular details of cell chondrogenesis inhibition. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102892. [PMID: 36642181 PMCID: PMC9929448 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.102892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are secreted cytokines belonging to the transforming growth factor-β superfamily. New therapeutic approaches based on BMP activity, particularly for cartilage and bone repair, have sparked considerable interest; however, a lack of understanding of their interaction pathways and the side effects associated with their use as biopharmaceuticals have dampened initial enthusiasm. Here, we used BMP-2 as a model system to gain further insight into both the relationship between structure and function in BMPs and the principles that govern affinity for their cognate antagonist Noggin. We produced BMP-2 and Noggin as inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli and developed simple and efficient protocols for preparing pure and homogeneous (in terms of size distribution) solutions of the native dimeric forms of the two proteins. The identity and integrity of the proteins were confirmed using mass spectrometry. Additionally, several in vitro cell-based assays, including enzymatic measurements, RT-qPCR, and matrix staining, demonstrated their biological activity during cell chondrogenic and hypertrophic differentiation. Furthermore, we characterized the simple 1:1 noncovalent interaction between the two ligands (KDca. 0.4 nM) using bio-layer interferometry and solved the crystal structure of the complex using X-ray diffraction methods. We identified the residues and binding forces involved in the interaction between the two proteins. Finally, results obtained with the BMP-2 N102D mutant suggest that Noggin is remarkably flexible and able to accommodate major structural changes at the BMP-2 level. Altogether, our findings provide insights into BMP-2 activity and reveal the molecular details of its interaction with Noggin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charly Robert
- Laboratory of Enzymology and Protein Folding, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium,Centre for Protein Engineering, InBioS Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Kerff
- Centre for Protein Engineering, InBioS Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium,Biological Macromolecule Crystallography, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Fabrice Bouillenne
- Centre for Protein Engineering, InBioS Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Maxime Gavage
- Analytical Laboratory, CER Groupe, rue du Point du Jour, Marloie, Belgium
| | - Marylène Vandevenne
- Laboratory of Enzymology and Protein Folding, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium,Centre for Protein Engineering, InBioS Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Patrice Filée
- Laboratory of immuno-biology, CER Groupe, Novalis Science Park, Aye, Belgium
| | - André Matagne
- Laboratory of Enzymology and Protein Folding, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; Centre for Protein Engineering, InBioS Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
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4
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Greń BA, Dabrowski-Tumanski P, Niemyska W, Sulkowska JI. Lasso Proteins-Unifying Cysteine Knots and Miniproteins. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:3988. [PMID: 34833285 PMCID: PMC8621785 DOI: 10.3390/polym13223988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex lasso proteins are a recently identified class of biological compounds that are present in considerable fraction of proteins with disulfide bridges. In this work, we look at complex lasso proteins as a generalization of well-known cysteine knots and miniproteins (lasso peptides). In particular, we show that complex lasso proteins with the same crucial topological features-cysteine knots and lasso peptides-are antimicrobial proteins, which suggests that they act as a molecular plug. Based on an analysis of the stability of the lasso piercing residue, we also introduce a method to determine which lasso motif is potentially functional. Using this method, we show that the lasso motif in antimicrobial proteins, as well in that in cytokines, is functionally relevant. We also study the evolution of lasso motifs, their conservation, and the usefulness of the lasso fingerprint, which extracts all topologically non-triviality concerning covalent loops. The work is completed by the presentation of extensive statistics on complex lasso proteins to analyze, in particular, the strange propensity for "negative" piercings. We also identify 21 previously unknown complex lasso proteins with an ester and a thioester bridge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz Ambroży Greń
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (B.A.G.); (P.D.-T.)
- Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Wanda Niemyska
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Joanna Ida Sulkowska
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (B.A.G.); (P.D.-T.)
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Méndez-Maldonado K, Vega-López GA, Aybar MJ, Velasco I. Neurogenesis From Neural Crest Cells: Molecular Mechanisms in the Formation of Cranial Nerves and Ganglia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:635. [PMID: 32850790 PMCID: PMC7427511 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The neural crest (NC) is a transient multipotent cell population that originates in the dorsal neural tube. Cells of the NC are highly migratory, as they travel considerable distances through the body to reach their final sites. Derivatives of the NC are neurons and glia of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the enteric nervous system as well as non-neural cells. Different signaling pathways triggered by Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs), Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs), Wnt proteins, Notch ligands, retinoic acid (RA), and Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) participate in the processes of induction, specification, cell migration and neural differentiation of the NC. A specific set of signaling pathways and transcription factors are initially expressed in the neural plate border and then in the NC cell precursors to the formation of cranial nerves. The molecular mechanisms of control during embryonic development have been gradually elucidated, pointing to an important role of transcriptional regulators when neural differentiation occurs. However, some of these proteins have an important participation in malformations of the cranial portion and their mutation results in aberrant neurogenesis. This review aims to give an overview of the role of cell signaling and of the function of transcription factors involved in the specification of ganglia precursors and neurogenesis to form the NC-derived cranial nerves during organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Méndez-Maldonado
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular - Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico.,Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Guillermo A Vega-López
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.,Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Manuel J Aybar
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.,Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Iván Velasco
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular - Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "Manuel Velasco Suárez", Ciudad de México, Mexico
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6
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TGF-β/Smad3 Signalling Modulates GABA Neurotransmission: Implications in Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020590. [PMID: 31963327 PMCID: PMC7013528 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
γ-Aminobutiryc acid (GABA) is found extensively in different brain nuclei, including parts involved in Parkinson’s disease (PD), such as the basal ganglia and hippocampus. In PD and in different models of the disorder, an increase in GABA neurotransmission is observed and may promote bradykinesia or L-Dopa-induced side-effects. In addition, proteins involved in GABAA receptor (GABAAR) trafficking, such as GABARAP, Trak1 or PAELR, may participate in the aetiology of the disease. TGF-β/Smad3 signalling has been associated with several pathological features of PD, such as dopaminergic neurodegeneration; reduction of dopaminergic axons and dendrites; and α-synuclein aggregation. Moreover, TGF-β/Smad3 intracellular signalling was recently shown to modulate GABA neurotransmission in the context of parkinsonism and cognitive alterations. This review provides a summary of GABA neurotransmission and TGF-β signalling; their implications in PD; and the regulation of GABA neurotransmission by TGF-β/Smad3. There appear to be new possibilities to develop therapeutic approaches for the treatment of PD using GABA modulators.
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7
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Derynck R, Budi EH. Specificity, versatility, and control of TGF-β family signaling. Sci Signal 2019; 12:12/570/eaav5183. [PMID: 30808818 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aav5183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 487] [Impact Index Per Article: 97.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Encoded in mammalian cells by 33 genes, the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family of secreted, homodimeric and heterodimeric proteins controls the differentiation of most, if not all, cell lineages and many aspects of cell and tissue physiology in multicellular eukaryotes. Deregulation of TGF-β family signaling leads to developmental anomalies and disease, whereas enhanced TGF-β signaling contributes to cancer and fibrosis. Here, we review the fundamentals of the signaling mechanisms that are initiated upon TGF-β ligand binding to its cell surface receptors and the dependence of the signaling responses on input from and cooperation with other signaling pathways. We discuss how cells exquisitely control the functional presentation and activation of heteromeric receptor complexes of transmembrane, dual-specificity kinases and, thus, define their context-dependent responsiveness to ligands. We also introduce the mechanisms through which proteins called Smads act as intracellular effectors of ligand-induced gene expression responses and show that the specificity and impressive versatility of Smad signaling depend on cross-talk from other pathways. Last, we discuss how non-Smad signaling mechanisms, initiated by distinct ligand-activated receptor complexes, complement Smad signaling and thus contribute to cellular responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rik Derynck
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology and Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Erine H Budi
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology and Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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8
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Role of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and Its Ligands in Kidney Inflammation and Damage. Mediators Inflamm 2018; 2018:8739473. [PMID: 30670929 PMCID: PMC6323488 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8739473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by persistent inflammation and progressive fibrosis, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. Although many studies have investigated the factors involved in the progressive deterioration of renal function, current therapeutic strategies only delay disease progression, leaving an unmet need for effective therapeutic interventions that target the cause behind the inflammatory process and could slow down or reverse the development and progression of CKD. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) (ERBB1), a membrane tyrosine kinase receptor expressed in the kidney, is activated after renal damage, and preclinical studies have evidenced its potential as a therapeutic target in CKD therapy. To date, seven official EGFR ligands have been described, including epidermal growth factor (EGF) (canonical ligand), transforming growth factor-α, heparin-binding epidermal growth factor, amphiregulin, betacellulin, epiregulin, and epigen. Recently, the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) has been described as a novel EGFR ligand. The direct activation of EGFR by its ligands can exert different cellular responses, depending on the specific ligand, tissue, and pathological condition. Among all EGFR ligands, CTGF/CCN2 is of special relevance in CKD. This growth factor, by binding to EGFR and downstream signaling pathway activation, regulates renal inflammation, cell growth, and fibrosis. EGFR can also be “transactivated” by extracellular stimuli, including several key factors involved in renal disease, such as angiotensin II, transforming growth factor beta (TGFB), and other cytokines, including members of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, showing another important mechanism involved in renal pathology. The aim of this review is to summarize the contribution of EGFR pathway activation in experimental kidney damage, with special attention to the regulation of the inflammatory response and the role of some EGFR ligands in this process. Better insights in EGFR signaling in renal disease could improve our current knowledge of renal pathology contributing to therapeutic strategies for CKD development and progression.
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9
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Wang Z, Li S, Li F, Xie S, Xiang J. Identification and function analysis of a novel vascular endothelial growth factor, LvVEGF3, in the Pacific whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 63:111-120. [PMID: 27241034 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
VEGF signaling pathway is first discovered in mammals and proved to play important roles in the biological processes of angiogenesis, tumor migration, cell differentiation, apoptosis, host-virus interaction etc. Three members in the VEGF signaling pathway, including LvVEGFR, LvVEGF1 and LvVEGF2 in shrimp have been proved to be related with WSSV infection in our previous studies. Currently, another member of VEGF family, LvVEGF3, was isolated and its function during the WSSV infection of shrimp was studied. The deduced amino acid sequence of LvVEGF3 contained a signal peptide, a typical PDGF/VEGF domain and a cysteine-knot motif (CXCXC). Tissue distribution analysis showed that LvVEGF3 was predominantly expressed in hemocytes. The transcriptional level of LvVEGF3 in hemocytes was apparently up-regulated during WSSV infection. Silencing of LvVEGF3 with double-stranded RNA caused a reduction of the cumulative mortality rate of shrimp during WSSV infection. The expression of LvVEGFR was apparently down-regulated after LvVEGF3 silencing and up-regulated after injection of recombinant LvVEGF3 protein, suggesting an interaction between LvVEGF3 and LvVEGFR. Furthermore, the interaction between LvVEGFR and LvVEGF3 was confirmed using the yeast two-hybrid system. The results provided new insights into understanding the role of VEGF signaling pathway during virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shihao Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Ecological Mariculture, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Fuhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Ecological Mariculture, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Shijun Xie
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jianhai Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Ecological Mariculture, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
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10
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Neurotrophin, p75, and Trk Signaling Module in the Developing Nervous System of the Marine Annelid Platynereis dumerilii. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:2456062. [PMID: 27069919 PMCID: PMC4812194 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2456062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In vertebrates, neurotrophic signaling plays an important role in neuronal development, neural circuit formation, and neuronal plasticity, but its evolutionary origin remains obscure. We found and validated nucleotide sequences encoding putative neurotrophic ligands (neurotrophin, NT) and receptors (Trk and p75) in two annelids, Platynereis dumerilii (Errantia) and Capitella teleta (Sedentaria, for which some sequences were found recently by Wilson, 2009). Predicted protein sequences and structures of Platynereis neurotrophic molecules reveal a high degree of conservation with the vertebrate counterparts; some amino acids signatures present in the annelid Trk sequences are absent in the basal chordate amphioxus, reflecting secondary loss in the cephalochordate lineage. In addition, expression analysis of NT, Trk, and p75 during Platynereis development by whole-mount mRNA in situ hybridization supports a role of these molecules in nervous system and circuit development. These annelid data corroborate the hypothesis that the neurotrophic signaling and its involvement in shaping neural networks predate the protostome-deuterostome split and were present in bilaterian ancestors.
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11
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Heinzelmann K, Noskovičová N, Merl-Pham J, Preissler G, Winter H, Lindner M, Hatz R, Hauck SM, Behr J, Eickelberg O. Surface proteome analysis identifies platelet derived growth factor receptor-alpha as a critical mediator of transforming growth factor-beta-induced collagen secretion. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2016; 74:44-59. [PMID: 26905437 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2016.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblasts are extracellular matrix-producing cells in the lung. Fibroblast activation by transforming growth factor-beta leads to myofibroblast-differentiation and increased extracellular matrix deposition, a hallmark of pulmonary fibrosis. While fibroblast function with respect to migration, invasion, and extracellular matrix deposition has been well-explored, little is known about the surface proteome of lung fibroblasts in general and its specific response to fibrogenic growth factors, in particular transforming growth factor-beta. We thus performed a cell-surface proteome analysis of primary human lung fibroblasts in presence/absence of transforming growth factor-beta, followed by characterization of our findings using FACS analysis, Western blot, and siRNA-mediated knockdown experiments. We identified 213 surface proteins significantly regulated by transforming growth factor-beta, platelet derived growth factor receptor-alpha being one of the top down-regulated proteins. Transforming growth factor beta-induced downregulation of platelet derived growth factor receptor-alpha induced upregulation of platelet derived growth factor receptor-beta expression and phosphorylation of Akt, a downstream target of platelet derived growth factor signaling. Importantly, collagen type V expression and secretion was strongly increased after forced knockdown of platelet derived growth factor receptor-alpha, an effect that was potentiated by transforming growth factor-beta. We therefore show previously underappreciated cross-talk of transforming growth factor-beta and platelet derived growth factor signaling in human lung fibroblasts, resulting in increased extracellular matrix deposition in a platelet derived growth factor receptor-alpha dependent manner. These findings are of particular importance for the treatment of lung fibrosis patients with high pulmonary transforming growth factor-beta activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Heinzelmann
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, University Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Nina Noskovičová
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, University Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Juliane Merl-Pham
- Research Unit Protein Science/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Preissler
- Thoraxchirurgisches Zentrum, Klinik für Allgemeine-, Viszeral-, Transplantations-, Gefäß- und Thoraxchirurgie, Klinikum Großhadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Hauke Winter
- Thoraxchirurgisches Zentrum, Klinik für Allgemeine-, Viszeral-, Transplantations-, Gefäß- und Thoraxchirurgie, Klinikum Großhadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Rudolf Hatz
- Thoraxchirurgisches Zentrum, Klinik für Allgemeine-, Viszeral-, Transplantations-, Gefäß- und Thoraxchirurgie, Klinikum Großhadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany; Asklepios Fachkliniken München-Gauting, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie M Hauck
- Research Unit Protein Science/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Behr
- Asklepios Fachkliniken München-Gauting, Munich, Germany; Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik V, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Oliver Eickelberg
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, University Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany.
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12
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Wang Z, Li S, Li F, Yang H, Yang F, Xiang J. Characterization of two types of vascular endothelial growth factor from Litopenaeus vannamei and their involvements during WSSV infection. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 47:824-832. [PMID: 26492995 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2015.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are important signaling proteins in VEGF signaling pathway which play key roles in inducing endothelial cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, vascular permeability, inhibition of apoptosis and virus infection. In the present study, we isolated and characterized two VEGF genes, LvVEGF1 and LvVEGF2 from Litopenaeus vannamei. The deduced amino acid sequences of both LvVEGF1 and LvVEGF2 contained a signal peptide, a typical PDGF/VEGF domain and a cysteine knot motif (CXCXC). Tissue distribution analysis showed that LvVEGF1 was predominantly expressed in lymphoid organ (Oka) while LvVEGF2 was mainly detected in gill and hemocytes. The transcriptional levels of LvVEGF1 in Oka and LvVEGF2 in gill or hemocytes were apparently up-regulated during WSSV infection. Double-stranded RNA interference was used for further functional studies. The data showed that silencing of LvVEGF1 and LvVEGF2 caused a decrease of the copy numbers of the virus in WSSV infected shrimp and a reduction of the cumulative mortality rate of shrimp during WSSV infection. The present study indicated that LvVEGF1 and LvVEGF2 might facilitate WSSV infection, which provided new evidence to understand the function of VEGF signaling pathway during WSSV infection in shrimp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shihao Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Ecological Mariculture, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Fuhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Ecological Mariculture, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Hui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fusheng Yang
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Donghai Aquaculture Company Limited, Hangzhou 311200, China
| | - Jianhai Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
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Klaassen I, van Geest RJ, Kuiper EJ, van Noorden CJF, Schlingemann RO. The role of CTGF in diabetic retinopathy. Exp Eye Res 2015; 133:37-48. [PMID: 25819453 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Revised: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, CCN2) contributes to fibrotic responses in diabetic retinopathy, both before clinical manifestations occur in the pre-clinical stage of diabetic retinopathy (PCDR) and in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), the late clinical stage of the disease. CTGF is a secreted protein that modulates the actions of many growth factors and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, leading to tissue reorganization, such as ECM formation and remodeling, basal lamina (BL) thickening, pericyte apoptosis, angiogenesis, wound healing and fibrosis. In PCDR, CTGF contributes to thickening of the retinal capillary BL and is involved in loss of pericytes. In this stage, CTGF expression is induced by advanced glycation end products, and by growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. In PDR, the switch from neovascularization to a fibrotic phase - the angio-fibrotic switch - in PDR is driven by CTGF, in a critical balance with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We discuss here the roles of CTGF in the pathogenesis of DR in relation to ECM remodeling and wound healing mechanisms, and explore whether CTGF may be a potential novel therapeutic target in the clinical management of early as well as late stages of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingeborg Klaassen
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Rob J van Geest
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther J Kuiper
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis J F van Noorden
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reinier O Schlingemann
- Ocular Angiogenesis Group, Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Academy of Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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14
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Noskovičová N, Petřek M, Eickelberg O, Heinzelmann K. Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Signaling in the Lung. From Lung Development and Disease to Clinical Studies. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2015; 52:263-84. [DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2014-0294tr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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16
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Porsch H, Mehić M, Olofsson B, Heldin P, Heldin CH. Platelet-derived growth factor β-receptor, transforming growth factor β type I receptor, and CD44 protein modulate each other's signaling and stability. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:19747-57. [PMID: 24860093 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.547273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), are key regulators of cellular functions, including proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Growth factor signaling is modulated by context-dependent cross-talk between different signaling pathways. We demonstrate in this study that PDGF-BB induces phosphorylation of Smad2, a downstream mediator of the canonical TGFβ pathway, in primary dermal fibroblasts. The PDGF-BB-mediated Smad2 phosphorylation was dependent on the kinase activities of both TGFβ type I receptor (TβRI) and PDGF β-receptor (PDGFRβ), and it was prevented by inhibitory antibodies against TGFβ. Inhibition of the activity of the TβRI kinase greatly reduced the PDGF-BB-dependent migration in dermal fibroblasts. Moreover, we demonstrate that the receptors for PDGF-BB and TGFβ interact physically in primary dermal fibroblasts and that stimulation with PDGF-BB induces internalization not only of PDGFRβ but also of TβRI. In addition, silencing of PDGFRβ by siRNA decreased the stability of TβRI and delayed TGFβ-induced signaling. We further show that the hyaluronan receptor CD44 interacts with both PDGFRβ and TβRI. Depletion of CD44 by siRNA increased signaling via PDGFRβ and TβRI by stabilizing the receptor proteins. Our data suggest that cross-talk between PDGFRβ and TβRI occurs in dermal fibroblasts and that CD44 negatively modulates signaling via these receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Porsch
- From the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Biomedical Center, Box 595, SE-75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Merima Mehić
- From the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Biomedical Center, Box 595, SE-75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Berit Olofsson
- From the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Biomedical Center, Box 595, SE-75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Paraskevi Heldin
- From the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Biomedical Center, Box 595, SE-75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carl-Henrik Heldin
- From the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Biomedical Center, Box 595, SE-75124 Uppsala, Sweden
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Cieplak M. Mechanostability of Virus Capsids and Their Proteins in Structure-Based Models. COMPUTATIONAL METHODS TO STUDY THE STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS OF BIOMOLECULES AND BIOMOLECULAR PROCESSES 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-28554-7_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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18
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Li F, Xu L, Gai X, Zhou Z, Wang L, Zhang H, Gai Y, Song L, Yu J, Liang C. The involvement of PDGF/VEGF related factor in regulation of immune and neuroendocrine in Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 35:1240-1248. [PMID: 23933264 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2013.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Revised: 07/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/28/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Members of the platelet-derived growth factor/vascular endothelial growth factor (PDGF/VEGF) family have been implicated in cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and cell migration, vascular development, angiogenesis and neural development. In the present study, a novel PDGF/VEGF related factor gene was cloned and identified in Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis (designated as EsPVF1). The full-length cDNA of EsPVF1 was of 1173 bp, consisting a 5' untranslated region (UTR) of 54 bp, a 3' UTR of 1131 bp with a poly (A) tail, and an open reading frame (ORF) of 588 bp encoding 196 amino acid residues. A signal peptide of 20 amino acid residues, a PDGF/VEGF homology growth factor domain of 81 amino acids, and a typical cysteine knot motif (CXCXC) were identified in the deduced amino acid sequence of EsPVF1. By fluorescent quantitative real-time PCR, the EsPVF1 mRNA was detected ubiquitously in the select tissues of hemocytes, gonad, heart, muscle, hepatopancreas and gill, with the high abundance in hemocytes and gonad. The mRNA expression level of EsPVF1 was up-regulated and reached the highest at 24 h after Vibrio anguillarum challenge, while it was induced at 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h compared with the untreated group after Pichia pastoris GS115 challenge. Tissue injury also induced the mRNA expression of EsPVF1 in hemocytes of crabs, and the expression level increased obviously at 8 h. The cDNA fragment encoding mature peptide of EsPVF1 was recombined and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) pLysS. Biogenic amine in hemolymph pre-incubated with recombinant protein of EsPVF1 (rEsPVF1) was detected by fluorimetric method. Norepinephrine and dopamine in hemolymph incubated with rEsPVF1 were higher than that in the blank group. Therefore, EsPVF1 could significantly provoke the release of norepinephrine and dopamine. The results collectively indicated that EsPVF1 was involved in regulation of the immune response and neuroendocrine system in crabs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengmei Li
- Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China.
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Sikora M, Cieplak M. Formation of cystine slipknots in dimeric proteins. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57443. [PMID: 23520470 PMCID: PMC3592873 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We consider mechanical stability of dimeric and monomeric proteins with the cystine knot motif. A structure based dynamical model is used to demonstrate that all dimeric and some monomeric proteins of this kind should have considerable resistance to stretching that is significantly larger than that of titin. The mechanisms of the large mechanostability are elucidated. In most cases, it originates from the induced formation of one or two cystine slipknots. Since there are four termini in a dimer, there are several ways of selecting two of them to pull by. We show that in the cystine knot systems, there is strong anisotropy in mechanostability and force patterns related to the selection. We show that the thermodynamic stability of the dimers is enhanced compared to the constituting monomers whereas machanostability is either lower or higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Sikora
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek Cieplak
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- * E-mail:
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20
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Robinson PM, Smith TS, Patel D, Dave M, Lewin AS, Pi L, Scott EW, Tuli SS, Schultz GS. Proteolytic processing of connective tissue growth factor in normal ocular tissues and during corneal wound healing. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2012; 53:8093-103. [PMID: 23139278 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.12-10419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a fibrogenic cytokine that is up-regulated by TGF-β and mediates most key fibrotic actions of TGF-β, including stimulation of synthesis of extracellular matrix and differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. This study addresses the role of proteolytic processing of CTGF in human corneal fibroblasts (HCF) stimulated with TGF-β, normal ocular tissues and wounded corneas. METHODS Proteolytic processing of CTGF in HCF cultures, normal animal eyes, and excimer laser wounded rat corneas were examined by Western blot. The identity of a 21-kDa band was determined by tandem mass spectrometry, and possible alternative splice variants of CTGF were assessed by 5' Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE). RESULTS HCF stimulated by TGF-β contained full length 38-kDa CTGF and fragments of 25, 21, 18, and 13 kDa, while conditioned medium contained full length 38- and a 21-kDa fragment of CTGF that contained the middle "hinge" region of CTGF. Fragmentation of recombinant CTGF incubated in HCF extracts was blocked by the aspartate protease inhibitor, pepstatin. Normal mouse, rat, and rabbit whole eyes and rabbit ocular tissues contained abundant amounts of C-terminal 25- and 21-kDa fragments and trace amounts of 38-kDa CTGF, although no alternative transcripts were detected. All forms of CTGF (38, 25, and 21 kDa) were detected during healing of excimer ablated rat corneas, peaking on day 11. CONCLUSIONS Proteolytic processing of 38-kDa CTGF occurs during corneal wound healing, which may have important implications in regulation of corneal scar formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulette M Robinson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for Wound Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610-0294, USA
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Chen PH, Chen X, He X. Platelet-derived growth factors and their receptors: structural and functional perspectives. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2012; 1834:2176-86. [PMID: 23137658 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2012.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Revised: 10/24/2012] [Accepted: 10/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The four types of platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) and the two types of PDGF receptors (PDGFRs, which belong to class III receptor tyrosine kinases) have important functions in the development of connective tissue cells. Recent structural studies have revealed novel mechanisms of PDGFs in propeptide loading and receptor recognition/activation. The detailed structural understanding of PDGF-PDGFR signaling has provided a template that can aid therapeutic intervention to counteract the aberrant signaling of this normally silent pathway, especially in proliferative diseases such as cancer. This review summarizes the advances in the PDGF system with a focus on relating the structural and functional understandings, and discusses the basic aspects of PDGFs and PDGFRs, the mechanisms of activation, and the insights into the therapeutic antagonism of PDGFRs. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Emerging recognition and activation mechanisms of receptor tyrosine kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Han Chen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Searle 8-417, 303 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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22
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Nagirnaja L, Venclovas Č, Rull K, Jonas KC, Peltoketo H, Christiansen OB, Kairys V, Kivi G, Steffensen R, Huhtaniemi IT, Laan M. Structural and functional analysis of rare missense mutations in human chorionic gonadotrophin β-subunit. Mol Hum Reprod 2012; 18:379-90. [PMID: 22554618 PMCID: PMC3389497 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gas018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterodimeric hCG is one of the key hormones determining early pregnancy success. We have previously identified rare missense mutations in hCGβ genes with potential pathophysiological importance. The present study assessed the impact of these mutations on the structure and function of hCG by applying a combination of in silico (sequence and structure analysis, molecular dynamics) and in vitro (co-immunoprecipitation, immuno- and bioassays) approaches. The carrier status of each mutation was determined for 1086 North-Europeans [655 patients with recurrent miscarriage (RM)/431 healthy controls from Estonia, Finland and Denmark] using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The mutation CGB5 p.Val56Leu (rs72556325) was identified in a single heterozygous RM patient and caused a structural hindrance in the formation of the hCGα/β dimer. Although the amount of the mutant hCGβ assembled into secreted intact hCG was only 10% compared with the wild-type, a stronger signaling response was triggered upon binding to its receptor, thus compensating the effect of poor dimerization. The mutation CGB8 p.Pro73Arg (rs72556345) was found in five heterozygotes (three RM cases and two control individuals) and was inherited by two of seven studied live born children. The mutation caused ∼50% of secreted β-subunits to acquire an alternative conformation, but did not affect its biological activity. For the CGB8 p.Arg8Trp (rs72556341) substitution, the applied in vitro methods revealed no alterations in the assembly of intact hCG as also supported by an in silico analysis. In summary, the accumulated data indicate that only mutations with neutral or mild functional consequences might be tolerated in the major hCGβ genes CGB5 and CGB8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liina Nagirnaja
- Human Molecular Genetics Research Group, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia
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Iyer S, Acharya KR. Tying the knot: the cystine signature and molecular-recognition processes of the vascular endothelial growth factor family of angiogenic cytokines. FEBS J 2011; 278:4304-22. [PMID: 21917115 PMCID: PMC3328748 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2011.08350.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The cystine-knot motif, made up of three intertwined disulfide bridges, is a unique feature of several toxins, cyclotides and growth factors, and occurs in a variety of species, including fungi, insects, molluscs and mammals. Growth factor molecules containing the cystine-knot motif serve as ligands for a diverse range of receptors and play an important role in extracellular signalling. This superfamily of polypeptides comprises several homodimeric and heterodimeric molecules that are central characters in both health and disease. Amongst these molecules are a group of proteins that belong to the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) subfamily. The members of this family are known angiogenic factors that regulate processes leading to blood vessel formation in physiological and pathological conditions. The focus of the present review is on the structural characteristics of proteins that belong to the VEGF family and on signal-transduction pathways that become initiated via the VEGF receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Iyer
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, UK
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Jeong KW, Lee JY, Lee SA, Yang SP, Ko H, Kang DI, Chae CB, Kim Y. Dynamics of a Heparin-Binding Domain of VEGF165 Complexed with Its Inhibitor Triamterene. Biochemistry 2011; 50:4843-54. [DOI: 10.1021/bi2000752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Woong Jeong
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology and Bio/Molecular Informatics Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Jee-Young Lee
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology and Bio/Molecular Informatics Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Sung-Ah Lee
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology and Bio/Molecular Informatics Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Seung-Pil Yang
- Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Hyunsook Ko
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology and Bio/Molecular Informatics Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Dong-Il Kang
- Department of Chemistry, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Chi-Bom Chae
- Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Yangmee Kim
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology and Bio/Molecular Informatics Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
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Sadasivan VD, Narpala SR, Budil DE, Sacco A, Carrier RL. Modeling the human intestinal Mucin (MUC2) C-terminal cystine knot dimer. J Mol Model 2011; 17:2953-63. [DOI: 10.1007/s00894-010-0932-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2010] [Accepted: 12/07/2010] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Hull JJ, Copley KS, Schegg KM, Quilici DR, Schooley DA, Welch WH. De novo molecular modeling and biophysical characterization of Manduca sexta eclosion hormone. Biochemistry 2009; 48:9047-60. [PMID: 19670911 PMCID: PMC2792118 DOI: 10.1021/bi901078y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Eclosion hormone (EH) is an integral component in the cascade regulating the behaviors culminating in emergence of an insect from its old exoskeleton. Little is known regarding the EH solution structure; consequently, we utilized a computational approach to generate a hypothetical structure for Manduca sexta EH. The de novo algorithm exploited the restricted conformational space of disulfide bonds (Cys14-Cys38, Cys18-Cys34, and Cys21-Cys49) and predicted secondary structure elements to generate a thermodynamically stable structure characterized by 55% helical content, an unstructured N-terminus, a helical C-terminus, and a solvent-exposed loop containing Trp28 and Phe29. Both the strain and pseudo energies of the predicted peptide compare favorably with those of known structures. The 62-amino acid peptide was synthesized, folded, assayed for activity, and structurally characterized to confirm the validity of the model. The helical content is supported by circular dichroism and hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry. Fluorescence emission spectra and acrylamide quenching are consistent with the solvent exposure predicted for Trp28, which is shielded by Phe29. Furthermore, thermodynamically stable conformations that deviated only slightly from the predicted Manduca EH structure were generated in silico for the Bombyx mori and Drosophila melanogaster EHs, indicating that the conformation is not species-dependent. In addition, the biological activities of known mutants and deletion peptides were rationalized with the predicted Manduca EH structure, and we found that, on the basis of sequence conservation, functionally important residues map to two conserved hydrophobic clusters incorporating the C-terminus and the first loop.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - David A. Schooley
- Correspondence to: David A. Schooley, Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557; ; Phone: (775)-784-4136; Fax: (775)-784-1419
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Toivanen PI, Nieminen T, Viitanen L, Alitalo A, Roschier M, Jauhiainen S, Markkanen JE, Laitinen OH, Airenne TT, Salminen TA, Johnson MS, Airenne KJ, Ylä-Herttuala S. Novel vascular endothelial growth factor D variants with increased biological activity. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:16037-48. [PMID: 19366703 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.001123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family play a pivotal role in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. They are potential therapeutics to induce blood vessel formation in myocardium and skeletal muscle, when normal blood flow is compromised. Most members of the VEGF/platelet derived growth factor protein superfamily exist as covalently bound antiparallel dimers. However, the mature form of VEGF-D (VEGF-D(DeltaNDeltaC)) is predominantly a non-covalent dimer even though the cysteine residues (Cys-44 and Cys-53) forming the intersubunit disulfide bridges in the other members of the VEGF family are also conserved in VEGF-D. Moreover, VEGF-D bears an additional cysteine residue (Cys-25) at the subunit interface. Guided by our model of VEGF-D(DeltaNDeltaC), the cysteines at the subunit interface were mutated to study the effect of these residues on the structural and functional properties of VEGF-D(DeltaNDeltaC). The conserved cysteines Cys-44 and Cys-53 were found to be essential for the function of VEGF-D(DeltaNDeltaC). More importantly, the substitution of the Cys-25 at the dimer interface by various amino acids improved the activity of the recombinant VEGF-D(DeltaNDeltaC) and increased the dimer to monomer ratio. Specifically, substitutions to hydrophobic amino acids Ile, Leu, and Val, equivalent to those found in other VEGFs, most favorably affected the activity of the recombinant VEGF-D(DeltaNDeltaC). The increased activity of these mutants was mainly due to stabilization of the protein. This study enables us to better understand the structural determinants controlling the biological activity of VEGF-D. The novel variants of VEGF-D(DeltaNDeltaC) described here are potential agents for therapeutic applications, where induction of vascular formation is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pyry I Toivanen
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
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Neuroimmune regulation of antimicrobial peptide expression by a noncanonical TGF-beta signaling pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans epidermis. Nat Immunol 2009; 10:249-56. [PMID: 19198592 DOI: 10.1038/ni.1700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2008] [Accepted: 01/08/2009] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
After being infected by the fungus Drechmeria coniospora, Caenorhabditis elegans produces antimicrobial peptides in its epidermis, some regulated by a signaling cascade involving a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Here we show that infection-induced expression of peptides of the Caenacin family occurred independently of the p38 pathway. The caenacin (cnc) genes enhanced survival after fungal infection, and neuronal expression of the transforming growth factor-beta homolog DBL-1 promoted cnc-2 expression in the epidermis in a dose-dependent paracrine way. Our results lead to a model in which antifungal defenses are coordinately regulated by a cell-autonomous p38 cascade and a distinct cytokine-like transforming growth factor-beta signal from the nervous system, each of which controls distinct sets of antimicrobial peptide-encoding genes in the epidermis.
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Sun PD, Boyington JC. Overview of protein folds in the immune system. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; Appendix 1:Appendix 1N. [PMID: 18432648 DOI: 10.1002/0471142735.ima01ns44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The rapid advancement of X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques in recent years has resulted in the solution of macromolecular structures at an unprecedented rate. This review aims at providing a comprehensive description of structures and folds related to the function of the immune system. Focus is placed on immunologically relevant proteins such as immunoreceptors and major histocompatibility complexes. Information is also provided regarding protein structure data banks.
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Affiliation(s)
- P D Sun
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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Abstract
This overview provides an illustrated, comprehensive survey of some commonly observed protein‐fold families and structural motifs, chosen for their functional significance. It opens with descriptions and definitions of the various elements of protein structure and associated terminology. Following is an introduction into web‐based structural bioinformatics that includes surveys of interactive web servers for protein fold or domain annotation, protein‐structure databases, protein‐structure‐classification databases, structural alignments of proteins, and molecular graphics programs available for personal computers. The rest of the overview describes selected families of protein folds in terms of their secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structural arrangements, including ribbon‐diagram examples, tables of representative structures with references, and brief explanations pointing out their respective biological and functional significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Sun
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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Shi-Wen X, Leask A, Abraham D. Regulation and function of connective tissue growth factor/CCN2 in tissue repair, scarring and fibrosis. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2008; 19:133-44. [PMID: 18358427 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2008.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 284] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Shi-Wen
- Centre for Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Hampstead Campus, University College London, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK
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32
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Kazlauskas A. Platelet-Derived Growth Factor. Angiogenesis 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-71518-6_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Noll H, Alcedo J, Daube M, Frei E, Schiltz E, Hunt J, Humphries T, Matranga V, Hochstrasser M, Aebersold R, Lee H, Noll M. The toposome, essential for sea urchin cell adhesion and development, is a modified iron-less calcium-binding transferrin. Dev Biol 2007; 310:54-70. [PMID: 17707791 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2007.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2007] [Revised: 07/09/2007] [Accepted: 07/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We describe the structure and function of the toposome, a modified calcium-binding, iron-less transferrin, the first member of a new class of cell adhesion proteins. In addition to the amino acid sequence of the precursor, we determined by Edman degradation the N-terminal amino acid sequences of the mature hexameric glycoprotein present in the egg as well as that of its derived proteolytically modified fragments necessary for development beyond the blastula stage. The approximate C-termini of the fragments were determined by a combination of mass spectrometry and migration in reducing gels before and after deglycosylation. This new member of the transferrin family shows special features which explain its evolutionary adaptation to development and adhesive function in sea urchin embryos: (i) a protease-inhibiting WAP domain, (ii) a 280 amino acid cysteine-less insertion in the C-terminal lobe, and (iii) a 240 residue C-terminal extension with a modified cystine knot motif found in multisubunit external cell surface glycoproteins. Proteolytic removal of the N-terminal WAP domain generates the mature toposome present in the oocyte. The modified cystine knot motif stabilizes cell-bound trimers upon Ca-dependent dissociation of hexamer-linked cells. We determined the positions of the developmentally regulated cuts in the cysteine-less insertion, which produce the fragments observed previously. These fragments remain bound to the hexameric 22S particle in vivo and are released only after treatment of the purified toposome with reducing agents. In addition, some soluble smaller fragments with possible signal function are produced. Sequence comparison of five sea urchin species reveals the location of the cell-cell contact site targeted by the species-specific embryo dissociating antibodies. The evolutionary tree of 2-, 1-, and 0-ferric transferrins implies their evolution from a basic cation-activated allosteric design modified to serve multiple functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Noll
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Hawaii, School of Medicine, 1960 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
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LeMosy EK. Proteolytic regulatory mechanisms in the formation of extracellular morphogen gradients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 78:243-55. [PMID: 17061259 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.20074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Growth factors are secreted into the extracellular space, where they encounter soluble inhibitors, extracellular matrix glycoproteins and proteoglycans, and proteolytic enzymes that can each modulate the spatial distribution, activity state, and receptor interactions of these signaling molecules. During development, morphogenetic gradients of these growth factors pattern fields of cells responsive to different levels of signaling, creating such structures as the branched pattern of airways and vasculature, and the arrangement of digits in the hand. This review focuses specifically on the roles of proteolytic enzymes and their regulators in the generation of such activity gradients. Evidence from Drosophila developmental pathways provides a detailed understanding of general mechanisms underlying proteolytic control of morphogen gradients, while recent studies of several mammalian growth factors illustrate the relevance of this proteolytic control to human development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen K LeMosy
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia 30912, USA.
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Grotendorst GR, Duncan MR. Individual domains of connective tissue growth factor regulate fibroblast proliferation and myofibroblast differentiation. FASEB J 2005; 19:729-38. [PMID: 15857887 DOI: 10.1096/fj.04-3217com] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
All members of the Ctgf, Cyr61, and Nov (CCN) family share a high degree of sequence homology and conservation of structural motifs and domains. Here, we present data about a structure function analysis of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a prototypic member of the CCN family, which has been shown to be a downstream mediator of transforming growth factor-beta activities on fibroblasts. Our findings demonstrate the two domains of CTGF function to mediate two distinct biological effects. The N-terminal domain of CTGF mediates myofibroblast differentiation and collagen synthesis. The C-terminal domain of CTGF mediates fibroblast proliferation. These data provide a molecular basis for the divergence of CTGF actions on connective tissue cell types and suggest a model for functional analysis of all of the CCN family gene products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary R Grotendorst
- Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, 2425 Ridgecrest Drive, S.E, Albuquerque, NM 87108, USA.
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37
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Reigstad LJ, Varhaug JE, Lillehaug JR. Structural and functional specificities of PDGF-C and PDGF-D, the novel members of the platelet-derived growth factors family. FEBS J 2005; 272:5723-41. [PMID: 16279938 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2005.04989.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) family was for more than 25 years assumed to consist of only PDGF-A and -B. The discovery of the novel family members PDGF-C and PDGF-D triggered a search for novel activities and complementary fine tuning between the members of this family of growth factors. Since the expansion of the PDGF family, more than 60 publications on the novel PDGF-C and PDGF-D have been presented, highlighting similarities and differences to the classical PDGFs. In this paper we review the published data on the PDGF family covering structural (gene and protein) similarities and differences among all four family members, with special focus on PDGF-C and PDGF-D expression and functions. Little information on the protein structures of PDGF-C and -D is currently available, but the PDGF-C protein may be structurally more similar to VEGF-A than to PDGF-B. PDGF-C contributes to normal development of the heart, ear, central nervous system (CNS), and kidney, while PDGF-D is active in the development of the kidney, eye and brain. In adults, PDGF-C is active in the kidney and the central nervous system. PDGF-D also plays a role in the lung and in periodontal mineralization. PDGF-C is expressed in Ewing family sarcoma and PDGF-D is linked to lung, prostate and ovarian cancers. Both PDGF-C and -D play a role in progressive renal disease, glioblastoma/medulloblastoma and fibrosis in several organs.
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MESH Headings
- Alternative Splicing
- Amino Acid Motifs
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Codon, Initiator
- Codon, Terminator
- Cysteine/chemistry
- Dimerization
- Disulfides/chemistry
- Exons
- Humans
- Introns
- Lymphokines/chemistry
- Lymphokines/genetics
- Lymphokines/physiology
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Models, Molecular
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Platelet-Derived Growth Factor/chemistry
- Platelet-Derived Growth Factor/genetics
- Platelet-Derived Growth Factor/physiology
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- Protein Binding
- Protein Processing, Post-Translational
- Protein Sorting Signals
- Protein Structure, Secondary
- Protein Structure, Tertiary
- Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor/genetics
- Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor/metabolism
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
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38
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Saragovi HU, Burgess K. Small molecule and protein-based neurotrophic ligands: agonists and antagonists as therapeutic agents. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2005. [DOI: 10.1517/13543776.9.6.737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Gupta A, Van Vlijmen HWT, Singh J. A classification of disulfide patterns and its relationship to protein structure and function. Protein Sci 2005; 13:2045-58. [PMID: 15273305 PMCID: PMC2279833 DOI: 10.1110/ps.04613004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
We report a detailed classification of disulfide patterns to further understand the role of disulfides in protein structure and function. The classification is applied to a unique searchable database of disulfide patterns derived from the SwissProt and Pfam databases. The disulfide database contains seven times the number of publicly available disulfide annotations. Each disulfide pattern in the database captures the topology and cysteine spacing of a protein domain. We have clustered the domains by their disulfide patterns and visualized the results using a novel representation termed the "classification wheel." The classification is applied to 40,620 protein domains with 2-10 disulfides. The effectiveness of the classification is evaluated by determining the extent to which proteins of similar structure and function are grouped together through comparison with the SCOP and Pfam databases, respectively. In general, proteins with similar disulfide patterns have similar structure and function, even in cases of low sequence similarity, and we illustrate this with specific examples. Using a measure of disulfide topology complexity, we find that there is a predominance of less complex topologies. We also explored the importance of loss or addition of disulfides to protein structure and function by linking classification wheels through disulfide subpattern comparisons. This classification, when coupled with our disulfide database, will serve as a useful resource for searching and comparing disulfide patterns, and understanding their role in protein structure, folding, and stability. Proteins in the disulfide clusters that do not contain structural information are prime candidates for structural genomics initiatives, because they may correspond to novel structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhas Gupta
- Computational Drug Design Group, Biogen Idec, Inc., Cambridge, Masschusetts 02142, USA
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40
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Fredriksson L, Li H, Eriksson U. The PDGF family: four gene products form five dimeric isoforms. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2005; 15:197-204. [PMID: 15207811 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2004.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 532] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) were discovered more than two decades ago. Today the PDGF family of growth factors consists of five different disulphide-linked dimers built up of four different polypeptide chains encoded by four different genes. These isoforms, PDGF-AA, PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, PDGF-CC and PDGF-DD, act via two receptor tyrosine kinases, PDGF receptors alpha and beta. The classic PDGFs, PDGF-A and PDGF-B, undergo intracellular activation during transport in the exocytic pathway for subsequent secretion, while the novel PDGFs, PDGF-C and PDGF-D, are secreted as latent factors that require activation by extracellular proteases. The classical PDGF polypeptide chains, PDGF-A and PDGF-B, are well studied and they regulate several physiological and pathophysiological processes, mainly using cells of mesenchymal or neuroectodermal origin as their targets. The discovery of two additional ligands for the two PDGF receptors suggests that PDGF-mediated cellular signaling is more complex than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Fredriksson
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Stockholm Branch, Box 240, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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41
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Núñez Miguel R, Sanders J, Jeffreys J, Depraetere H, Evans M, Richards T, Blundell TL, Rees Smith B, Furmaniak J. Analysis of the thyrotropin receptor-thyrotropin interaction by comparative modeling. Thyroid 2004; 14:991-1011. [PMID: 15650352 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2004.14.991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
We have used the most advanced programs currently available to construct the first three-domain structure of the human thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) using comparative modeling. The model consists of a leucine-rich domain (LRD; amino acids 36-281; porcine ribonuclease inhibitor used as a template for modeling), a cleavage domain (CD; amino acids 282-409; tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases 2 as template) and transmembrane domain (TMD amino acids 410-699; bovine rhodopsin as template). Models of human, porcine, and bovine TSH were also constructed (human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG] and human follicle stimulating hormone [hFSH] as templates). The LRD has a characteristic horseshoe shape with 10 tandem homologous repeats. The CD consists of beta-barrel and alpha helix structures (OB-like fold) with two disulfide bridges and the structure around these disulfide bridges remains stable after cleavage. The TMD presents the typical seven membrane-spanning helices. The TSH, LRD, CD, and TMD models were brought together in an extensive series of docking experiments. Known features of the TSH-TSHR interaction were used for selection of appropriate complexes that were then validated using a different set of experimental data. A similar approach was used to build a model of a complex between the TSHR and a monoclonal TSHR antibody with weak thyroid stimulating activity. Human thyrotropin (hTSH) alpha chains were found to make contact with many amino acids on the LRD surface and CD surface whereas no interaction between the beta chains and the CD were found. The higher affinity of bovine thyrotropin (bTSH) and porcine thyrotropin (pTSH) (relative to hTSH) for the TSHR is explained well by the models in terms of charge-charge interactions between their alpha chains and the receptor. Experimental observations showing increased sensitivity of the TSHR to hCG after mutation of TSHR Lys209 to Glu are explained well by our model. Furthermore, several mutations in the TMD that are associated with increased TSHR basal activity are predicted from our model to be caused by the formation of new interactions that stabilize the activated form of the TMD.
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42
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Boudko SP, Engel J. Structure formation in the C terminus of type III collagen guides disulfide cross-linking. J Mol Biol 2004; 335:1289-97. [PMID: 14729344 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2003.11.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In type III collagen the main triple-helical domain is followed by a disulfide knot and the C-terminal propeptide, which are both essential for nucleation, stabilization and registration of the triple helix. We demonstrate that oxidative inter-chain disulfide bridging does not occur between the knot sequences GlyProCysCysGly of dissociated randomly coiled chains. N-terminal fusion of the obligatory trimeric domain of mini-fibritin is able to direct this process efficiently, demonstrating a folded precursor mechanism in which the thiol groups have to be properly placed for the formation of native disulfide bonds. The natural C-propeptide domain may act in a similar way as the mini-fibritin domain. After disulfide linkage and triple-helix formation the catalyzing mini-fibritin domain was removed by thrombin cleavage. In this way a short but stable triple-helical collagen fragment was expressed in Escherichia coli for structural and functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei P Boudko
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstr 70, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
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43
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Nguyen VT, Singh V, Butnev VY, Gray CM, Westfall S, Davis JS, Dias JA, Bousfield GR. Inositol phosphate stimulation by LH requires the entire alpha Asn56 oligosaccharide. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2003; 199:73-86. [PMID: 12581881 DOI: 10.1016/s0303-7207(02)00297-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Lentil lectin-bound, fucose-enriched hTSH was reported to stimulate both cAMP and inositol phosphate (IP) intracellular signalling pathways, whereas fucose-depleted hTSH stimulated only the cAMP pathway. Gonadotropins activate the cAMP pathway and in several studies higher concentrations activate the IP pathway. Since only the 10% of alpha subunit Asn(56) oligosaccharides (Asn(52) in humans) are fucosylated, the higher glycoprotein hormone concentrations required for IP pathway activation might be related to the abundance of competent hormone isoforms. Lentil lectin-fractionated equine (e)LHalpha and eFSHalpha preparations were combined with a truncated, des(121-149)eLHbeta preparation. All four hybrid hormone preparations induced IP accumulation in porcine theca cells, suggesting that activation of the IP pathway was not dependent on fucosylation at alpha subunit Asn(56). However, the presence of Asn(56) carbohydrate was necessary for increased IP accumulation. Intact, rather than Asn(56)-deglycosylated eLH preparations provoked a biphasic steroidogenic response by rat testis Leydig cells, suggesting that Galpha(i) stimulation was also sensitive to loss of Asn(56) carbohydrate. While rat granulosa cells responded to human FSH preparations in a biphasic manner, a classical sigmoidal response was obtained to eFSH and Asn(56)-deglycosylated eFSH, suggesting that the equine preparations did not activate Galpha(i). Purified oLHalpha Asn(56) oligosaccharides inhibited FSH-stimulated steroidogenesis in rat granulosa cell cultures indicating a direct role for carbohydrate in FSH action. The same carbohydrate preparation inhibited hCG-stimulated fluorescence energy transfer suggesting oligosaccharide involvement in activated LH receptor self-association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van T Nguyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Box 26, Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount, KS 67260-0026, USA
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44
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Watanabe K, Chirgadze DY, Lietha D, de Jonge H, Blundell TL, Gherardi E. A new crystal form of the NK1 splice variant of HGF/SF demonstrates extensive hinge movement and suggests that the NK1 dimer originates by domain swapping. J Mol Biol 2002; 319:283-8. [PMID: 12051906 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-2836(02)00199-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
NK1 is a splice variant of the polypeptide growth factor HGF/SF that consists of the N terminal (N) and first kringle (K) domains and retains receptor binding and signalling. While NK1 behaves as a monomer in solution, two independent crystallographic structures have previously shown an identical, tightly packed dimer. Here we report a novel orthorhombic crystal form of NK1 at 2.5 A resolution in which four NK1 protomers are packed in two distinct dimers in the asymmetric unit. Although the basic architecture of the new NK1 dimers is similar to the two described earlier, the new crystal form demonstrates extensive hinge movement between the N and K domain that leads to re-orientation of the receptor-binding sites. The hinge bending is evidence of the paucity of strong interactions between domains within the protomer, in contrast to the extensive interactions between protomers in the dimer. These observations are consistent with domain swapping in the dimer, such that the interdomain interactions of the monomer are replaced by equivalent interprotomer interactions in the dimer and offer a route for protein engineering of NK1 variants which may act as receptor antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichi Watanabe
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
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45
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Abstract
Placenta growth factor (PlGF), a member of the cysteine-knot family, is an angiogenic protein. The PlGF gene has been conserved across different species of the animal kingdom. It is expressed primarily in the placenta, especially in the later stages of gestation. PlGF expression is upregulated during pathological conditions such as ischemia of the heart and myocardial infarction. It is now known that PlGF can modulate the activity of vascular endothelial growth factor, the most potent of all angiogenic inducers and hence makes it an attractive target for therapeutic strategies. Recent structural studies on different isoforms of PlGF promise to reveal important topological and molecular details of these proteins that may be of potential use in the design of effective small molecule inhibitors to combat pathological angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Iyer
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, United Kingdom
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46
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Shah PK, Buslje CM, Sowdhamini R. Structural determinants of binding and specificity in transforming growth factor-receptor interactions. Proteins 2001; 45:408-20. [PMID: 11746688 DOI: 10.1002/prot.10010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF-beta) protein families are cytokines that occur as a large number of homologous proteins. Three major subgroups of these proteins with marked specificities for their receptors have been found-TGF-beta, activin/inhibin, and bone morphogenic protein. Although structural information is available for some members of the TGF-beta family of ligands and receptors, very little is known about the way these growth factors interact with the extracellular domains of their cell surface receptors, especially the type II receptor. In addition, the elements that are the determinants of binding and specificity of the ligands are poorly understood. The structure of the extracellular domain of the receptor is a three-finger fold similar to some toxin structures. Amino acid exchanges between multiply aligned homologous sequences of type II receptors point to a residue at the surface, specifically finger 1, as the determinant of ligand specificity and complex formation. The "knuckle" epitope of ligands was predicted to be the surface that interacts with the type II receptor. The residues on strands beta2, beta3, beta7, beta8 and the loop region joining beta2 and beta3 and joining beta7 and beta8 of the ligands were identified as determinants of binding and specificity. These results are supported by studies on the docking of the type II receptor to the ligand dimer-type I receptor complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- P K Shah
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, UAS-GKVK Campus, Bangalore, India
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47
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Carugo O, Lu S, Luo J, Gu X, Liang S, Strobl S, Pongor S. Structural analysis of free and enzyme-bound amaranth alpha-amylase inhibitor: classification within the knottin fold superfamily and analysis of its functional flexibility. PROTEIN ENGINEERING 2001; 14:639-46. [PMID: 11707609 DOI: 10.1093/protein/14.9.639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The three-dimensional structure of the amaranth alpha-amylase inhibitor (AAI) adopts a knottin fold of abcabc topology. Upon binding to alpha-amylase, it adopts a more compact conformation characterized by an increased number of intramolecular hydrogen bonds, a decreased volume and in addition a trans to cis isomerization of Pro20. A systematic analysis of the 3-D structural databanks revealed that similar proteins and domains share with AAI the characteristic presence of proline residues, many of which are in a cis backbone conformation. As these proteins fulfil a variety of functional roles and are expressed in very different organisms, we conclude that the structure of the knottin fold, including the propensity of the cis bond, are the result of convergent evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Carugo
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, Trieste Department of General Chemistry, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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48
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Bell SL, Xu G, Forstner JF. Role of the cystine-knot motif at the C-terminus of rat mucin protein Muc2 in dimer formation and secretion. Biochem J 2001; 357:203-9. [PMID: 11415450 PMCID: PMC1221942 DOI: 10.1042/0264-6021:3570203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
DNA constructs based on the 534-amino-acid C-terminus of rat mucin protein Muc2 (RMC), were transfected into COS cells and the resultant (35)S-labelled dimers and monomers were detected by SDS/PAGE of immunoprecipitates. The cystine-knot construct, encoding the C-terminal 115 amino acids, appeared in cell lysates as a 45 kDa dimer, but was not secreted. A construct, devoid of the cystine knot, failed to form dimers. Site-specific mutagenesis within the cystine knot was performed on a conserved unpaired cysteine (designated Cys-X), which has been implicated in some cystine-knot-containing growth factors as being important for intermolecular disulphide-bond formation. Dimerization of RMC was effectively abolished. Each cysteine (Cys-1-Cys-6) comprising the three intramolecular disulphide bonds of the cystine knot was then mutated. Dimer formation was impaired in each case, although much less so for the Cys-3 mutant than the others. Abnormal high-molecular-mass, disulphide-dependent aggregates formed with mutations Cys-1, Cys-2, Cys-4 and Cys-5(,) and were poorly secreted. It is concluded that the intact cystine-knot domain is essential for dimerization of the C-terminal domain of rat Muc2, and that residue Cys-X in the knot plays a key role. The structural integrity of the cystine knot, maintained by intramolecular bonds Cys-1-Cys-4, Cys-2-Cys-5 and Cys-3-Cys-6, also appears to be important for dimerization, probably by allowing correct positioning of the unpaired Cys-X residue for stable intermolecular cystine-bond formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Bell
- Division of Structural Biology and Biochemistry, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
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49
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Mas JM, Aloy P, Martí-Renom MA, Oliva B, de Llorens R, Avilés FX, Querol E. Classification of protein disulphide-bridge topologies. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2001; 15:477-87. [PMID: 11394740 DOI: 10.1023/a:1011164224144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The preferential occurrence of certain disulphide-bridge topologies in proteins has prompted us to design a method and a program, KNOT-MATCH, for their classification. The program has been applied to a database of proteins with less than 65% homology and more than two disulphide bridges. We have investigated whether there are topological preferences that can be used to group proteins and if these can be applied to gain insight into the structural or functional relationships among them. The classification has been performed by Density Search and Hierarchical Clustering Techniques, yielding thirteen main protein classes from the superimposition and clustering process. It is noteworthy that besides the disulphide bridges, regular secondary structures and loops frequently become correctly aligned. Although the lack of significant sequence similarity among some clustered proteins precludes the easy establishment of evolutionary relationships, the program permits us to find out important structural or functional residues upon the superimposition of two protein structures apparently unrelated. The derived classification can be very useful for finding relationships among proteins which would escape detection by current sequence or topology-based analytical algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Mas
- Institut de Biologia Fonamental i Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
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50
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Darling RJ, Wilken JA, Miller-Lindholm AK, Urlacher TM, Ruddon RW, Sherman SA, Bedows E. Functional contributions of noncysteine residues within the cystine knots of human chorionic gonadotropin subunits. J Biol Chem 2001; 276:10692-9. [PMID: 11134053 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m010168200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a heterodimeric member of a family of cystine knot-containing proteins that contain the consensus sequences Cys-X(1)-Gly-X(2)-Cys and Cys-X(3)-Cys. Previously, we characterized the contributions that cystine residues of the hCG subunit cystine knots make in folding, assembly, and bioactivity. Here, we determined the contributions that noncysteine residues make in hCG folding, secretion, and assembly. When the X(1), X(2), and X(3) residues of hCG-alpha and -beta were substituted by swapping their respective cystine knot motifs, the resulting chimeras appeared to fold correctly and were efficiently secreted. However, assembly of the chimeras with their wild type partner was almost completely abrogated. No single amino acid substitution completely accounted for the assembly inhibition, although the X(2) residue made the greatest individual contribution. Analysis by tryptic mapping, high performance liquid chromatography, and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that substitution of the central Gly in the Cys-X(1)-Gly-X(2)-Cys sequence of either the alpha- or beta-subunit cystine knot resulted in non-native disulfide bond formation and subunit misfolding. This occurred even when the most conservative change possible (Gly --> Ala) was made. From these studies we conclude that all three "X" residues within the hCG cystine knots are collectively, but not individually, required for the formation of assembly-competent hCG subunits and that the invariant Gly residue is required for efficient cystine knot formation and subunit folding.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Darling
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Department of Pharmacology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, USA
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