1
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Wang B, Pareek G, Kundu M. ULK/Atg1: phasing in and out of autophagy. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:494-505. [PMID: 38565496 PMCID: PMC11162330 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Autophagy - a highly regulated intracellular degradation process - is pivotal in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a fundamental mechanism regulating the formation and function of membrane-less compartments. Recent research has unveiled connections between LLPS and autophagy, suggesting that phase separation events may orchestrate the spatiotemporal organization of autophagic machinery and cargo sequestration. The Unc-51-like kinase (ULK)/autophagy-related 1 (Atg1) family of proteins is best known for its regulatory role in initiating autophagy, but there is growing evidence that the functional spectrum of ULK/Atg1 extends beyond autophagy regulation. In this review, we explore the spatial and temporal regulation of the ULK/Atg1 family of kinases, focusing on their recruitment to LLPS-driven compartments, and highlighting their multifaceted functions beyond their traditional role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Shenzhen Research Institute of Xiamen University, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Gautam Pareek
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Mondira Kundu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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2
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Wang J, Zhu H, Tian R, Zhang Q, Zhang H, Hu J, Wang S. Physiological and pathological effects of phase separation in the central nervous system. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:599-615. [PMID: 38441598 PMCID: PMC11055734 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02435-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Phase separation, also known as biomolecule condensate, participates in physiological processes such as transcriptional regulation, signal transduction, gene expression, and DNA damage repair by creating a membrane-free compartment. Phase separation is primarily caused by the interaction of multivalent non-covalent bonds between proteins and/or nucleic acids. The strength of molecular multivalent interaction can be modified by component concentration, the potential of hydrogen, posttranslational modification, and other factors. Notably, phase separation occurs frequently in the cytoplasm of mitochondria, the nucleus, and synapses. Phase separation in vivo is dynamic or stable in the normal physiological state, while abnormal phase separation will lead to the formation of biomolecule condensates, speeding up the disease progression. To provide candidate suggestions for the clinical treatment of nervous system diseases, this review, based on existing studies, carefully and systematically represents the physiological roles of phase separation in the central nervous system and its pathological mechanism in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361000, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongrui Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China.
- Core Facility Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC (Anhui Provincial Hospital), Hefei, China.
| | - Ruijia Tian
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhang
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361000, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoliang Zhang
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Hu
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361000, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Kumar A, Tanaka K, Schwartz MA. Focal adhesion-derived liquid-liquid phase separations regulate mRNA translation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.22.568289. [PMID: 38045367 PMCID: PMC10690234 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.22.568289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has emerged as a major organizing principle in cells. Recent work showed that multiple components of integrin-mediated focal adhesions including p130Cas can form LLPS, which govern adhesion dynamics and related cell behaviors. In this study, we found that the focal adhesion protein p130Cas drives formation of structures with the characteristics of LLPS that bud from focal adhesions into the cytoplasm. Condensing concentrated cytoplasm around p130Cas-coated beads allowed their isolation, which were enriched in a subset of focal adhesion proteins, mRNAs and RNA binding proteins, including those implicated in inhibiting mRNA translation. Plating cells on very high concentrations of fibronectin to induce large focal adhesions inhibited message translation which required p130Cas and correlated with droplet formation. Photo-induction of p130Cas condensates using the Cry2 system also reduced translation. These results identify a novel regulatory mechanism in which high adhesion limits message translation via induction of p130Cas-dependent cytoplasmic LLPS. This mechanism may contribute to the quiescent state of very strongly adhesive myofibroblasts and senescent cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Kumar
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine (Division of Cardiovascular Medicine), 300 George St. New Haven CT 06511
| | - Keiichiro Tanaka
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine (Division of Cardiovascular Medicine), 300 George St. New Haven CT 06511
| | - Martin A Schwartz
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine (Division of Cardiovascular Medicine), 300 George St. New Haven CT 06511
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University
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4
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Liang P, Wu Y, Zheng S, Zhang J, Yang S, Wang J, Ma S, Zhang M, Gu Z, Liu Q, Jiang W, Xing Q, Wang B. Paxillin phase separation promotes focal adhesion assembly and integrin signaling. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202209027. [PMID: 38466167 PMCID: PMC10926639 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202209027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesions (FAs) are transmembrane protein assemblies mediating cell-matrix connection. Although protein liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has been tied to the organization and dynamics of FAs, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we experimentally tune the LLPS of PXN/Paxillin, an essential scaffold protein of FAs, by utilizing a light-inducible Cry2 system in different cell types. In addition to nucleating FA components, light-triggered PXN LLPS potently activates integrin signaling and subsequently accelerates cell spreading. In contrast to the homotypic interaction-driven LLPS of PXN in vitro, PXN condensates in cells are associated with the plasma membrane and modulated by actomyosin contraction and client proteins of FAs. Interestingly, non-specific weak intermolecular interactions synergize with specific molecular interactions to mediate the multicomponent condensation of PXN and are efficient in promoting FA assembly and integrin signaling. Thus, our data establish an active role of the PXN phase transition into a condensed membrane-associated compartment in promoting the assembly/maturation of FAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peigang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yuchen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shanyuan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jinfang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Suibin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Mengjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhuang Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qingfeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wenxue Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiong Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Xiamen University, Shenzhen, China
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5
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Guo K, Zhang J, Huang P, Xu Y, Pan W, Li K, Chen L, Luo L, Yu W, Chen S, He S, Wei Z, Yu C. KANK1 shapes focal adhesions by orchestrating protein binding, mechanical force sensing, and phase separation. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113321. [PMID: 37874676 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113321] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesions (FAs) are dynamic protein assemblies that connect cytoskeletons to the extracellular matrix and are crucial for cell adhesion and migration. KANKs are scaffold proteins that encircle FAs and act as key regulators of FA dynamics, but the molecular mechanism underlying their specified localization and functions remains poorly understood. Here, we determine the KANK1 structures in complex with talin and liprin-β, respectively. These structures, combined with our biochemical and cellular analyses, demonstrate how KANK1 scaffolds the FA core and associated proteins to modulate the FA shape in response to mechanical force. Additionally, we find that KANK1 undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), which is important for its localization at the FA edge and cytoskeleton connections to FAs. Our findings not only indicate the molecular basis of KANKs in bridging the core and periphery of FAs but also provide insights into the LLPS-mediated dynamic regulation of FA morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitong Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China; Brain Research Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Pei Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuqun Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Brain Research Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Wenfei Pan
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Kaiyue Li
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Lu Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Li Luo
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Weichun Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuai Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Brain Research Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Sicong He
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Zhiyi Wei
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Brain Research Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
| | - Cong Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China.
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6
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Liang P, Zhang J, Wu Y, Zheng S, Xu Z, Yang S, Wang J, Ma S, Xiao L, Hu T, Jiang W, Huang C, Xing Q, Kundu M, Wang B. An ULK1/2-PXN mechanotransduction pathway suppresses breast cancer cell migration. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e56850. [PMID: 37846507 PMCID: PMC10626438 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202356850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The remodeling and stiffening of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a well-recognized modulator of breast cancer progression. How changes in the mechanical properties of the ECM are converted into biochemical signals that direct tumor cell migration and metastasis remain poorly characterized. Here, we describe a new role for the autophagy-inducing serine/threonine kinases ULK1 and ULK2 in mechanotransduction. We show that ULK1/2 activity inhibits the assembly of actin stress fibers and focal adhesions (FAs) and as a consequence impedes cell contraction and migration, independent of its role in autophagy. Mechanistically, we identify PXN/paxillin, a key component of the mechanotransducing machinery, as a direct binding partner and substrate of ULK1/2. ULK-mediated phosphorylation of PXN at S32 and S119 weakens homotypic interactions and liquid-liquid phase separation of PXN, impairing FA assembly, which in turn alters the mechanical properties of breast cancer cells and their response to mechanical stimuli. ULK1/2 and the well-characterized PXN regulator, FAK/Src, have opposing functions on mechanotransduction and compete for phosphorylation of adjacent serine and tyrosine residues. Taken together, our study reveals ULK1/2 as important regulator of PXN-dependent mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peigang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Yuchen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Shanyuan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Zhaopeng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Shuo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Jinfang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Suibin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of OncologyZhongshan Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Tianhui Hu
- Cancer Research Center, School of MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Wenxue Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio‐Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Chaoqun Huang
- Central LaboratoryThe Fifth Hospital of XiamenXiamenChina
| | - Qiong Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio‐Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Mondira Kundu
- Department of Cell and Molecular BiologySt. Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphisTNUSA
| | - Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Xiamen UniversityShenzhenChina
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7
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Miao C, Zhang Y, Yu M, Wei Y, Dong C, Pei G, Xiao Y, Yang J, Yao Z, Wang Q. HSPA8 regulates anti-bacterial autophagy through liquid-liquid phase separation. Autophagy 2023; 19:2702-2718. [PMID: 37312409 PMCID: PMC10472862 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2223468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
HSPA8 (heat shock protein family A (Hsp70) member 8) plays a significant role in the autophagic degradation of proteins, however, its effect on protein stabilization and anti-bacterial autophagy remains unknown. Here, it is discovered that HSPA8, as a binding partner of RHOB and BECN1, induce autophagy for intracellular bacteria clearance. Using its NBD and LID domains, HSPA8 physically binds to RHOB residues 1-42 and 89-118 as well as to BECN1 ECD domain, preventing RHOB and BECN1 degradation. Intriguingly, HSPA8 contains predicted intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), and drives liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) to concentrate RHOB and BECN1 into HSPA8-formed liquid-phase droplets, resulting in improved RHOB and BECN1 interactions. Our study reveals a novel role and mechanism of HSPA8 in modulating anti-bacterial autophagy, and highlights the effect of LLPS-related HSPA8-RHOB-BECN1 complex on enhancing protein interaction and stabilization, which improves the understanding of autophagy-mediated defense against bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Miao
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Institute of Immunology, the Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yajie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Institute of Immunology, the Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingyu Yu
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Institute of Immunology, the Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuting Wei
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Institute of Immunology, the Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Cheng Dong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Geng Pei
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital; National Clinical Research Center of Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Yawen Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Institute of Immunology, the Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianming Yang
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Institute of Immunology, the Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhi Yao
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Institute of Immunology, the Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Quan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Institute of Immunology, the Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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8
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Asmar AJ, Abrams SR, Hsin J, Collins JC, Yazejian RM, Wu Y, Cho J, Doyle AD, Cinthala S, Simon M, van Jaarsveld RH, Beck DB, Kerosuo L, Werner A. A ubiquitin-based effector-to-inhibitor switch coordinates early brain, craniofacial, and skin development. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4499. [PMID: 37495603 PMCID: PMC10371987 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40223-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms that coordinate patterning of the embryonic ectoderm into spatially distinct lineages to form the nervous system, epidermis, and neural crest-derived craniofacial structures are unclear. Here, biochemical disease-variant profiling reveals a posttranslational pathway that drives early ectodermal differentiation in the vertebrate head. The anteriorly expressed ubiquitin ligase CRL3-KLHL4 restricts signaling of the ubiquitous cytoskeletal regulator CDC42. This regulation relies on the CDC42-activating complex GIT1-βPIX, which CRL3-KLHL4 exploits as a substrate-specific co-adaptor to recognize and monoubiquitylate PAK1. Surprisingly, we find that ubiquitylation converts the canonical CDC42 effector PAK1 into a CDC42 inhibitor. Loss of CRL3-KLHL4 or a disease-associated KLHL4 variant reduce PAK1 ubiquitylation causing overactivation of CDC42 signaling and defective ectodermal patterning and neurulation. Thus, tissue-specific restriction of CDC42 signaling by a ubiquitin-based effector-to-inhibitor is essential for early face, brain, and skin formation, revealing how cell-fate and morphometric changes are coordinated to ensure faithful organ development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Asmar
- Stem Cell Biochemistry Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Shaun R Abrams
- Stem Cell Biochemistry Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Neural Crest Development & Disease Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jenny Hsin
- Neural Crest Development & Disease Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jason C Collins
- Stem Cell Biochemistry Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Rita M Yazejian
- Neural Crest Development & Disease Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Youmei Wu
- Stem Cell Biochemistry Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jean Cho
- Stem Cell Biochemistry Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Andrew D Doyle
- NIDCR Imaging Core, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Samhitha Cinthala
- Stem Cell Biochemistry Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Marleen Simon
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - David B Beck
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Human Genetics and Genomics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura Kerosuo
- Neural Crest Development & Disease Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Achim Werner
- Stem Cell Biochemistry Unit, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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9
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Wan Mohamad Noor WNI, Nguyen NTH, Cheong TH, Chek MF, Hakoshima T, Inaba T, Hanawa-Suetsugu K, Nishimura T, Suetsugu S. Small GTPase Cdc42, WASP, and scaffold proteins for higher-order assembly of the F-BAR domain protein. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf5143. [PMID: 37126564 PMCID: PMC10132759 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf5143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The higher-order assembly of Bin-amphiphysin-Rvs (BAR) domain proteins, including the FCH-BAR (F-BAR) domain proteins, into lattice on the membrane is essential for the formation of subcellular structures. However, the regulation of their ordered assembly has not been elucidated. Here, we show that the higher ordered assembly of growth-arrested specific 7 (GAS7), an F-BAR domain protein, is regulated by the multivalent scaffold proteins of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP)/neural WASP, that commonly binds to the BAR domain superfamily proteins, together with WISH, Nck, the activated small guanosine triphosphatase Cdc42, and a membrane-anchored phagocytic receptor. The assembly kinetics by fluorescence resonance energy transfer monitoring indicated that the GAS7 assembly on liposomes started within seconds and was further increased by the presence of these proteins. The regulated GAS7 assembly was abolished by Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome mutations both in vitro and in cellular phagocytosis. Therefore, Cdc42 and the scaffold proteins that commonly bind to the BAR domain superfamily proteins promoted GAS7 assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Nurul Izzati Wan Mohamad Noor
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate school of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Nhung Thi Hong Nguyen
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate school of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Theng Ho Cheong
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate school of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Min Fey Chek
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate school of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Toshio Hakoshima
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate school of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Takehiko Inaba
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate school of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Kyoko Hanawa-Suetsugu
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate school of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Tamako Nishimura
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate school of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Shiro Suetsugu
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate school of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
- Data Science Center, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
- Center for Digital Green-Innovation, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
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10
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Shil S, Tsuruta M, Kawauchi K, Miyoshi D. Biomolecular Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation for Biotechnology. BIOTECH 2023; 12:26. [PMID: 37092470 PMCID: PMC10123627 DOI: 10.3390/biotech12020026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of biomolecules induces condensed assemblies called liquid droplets or membrane-less organelles. In contrast to organelles with lipid membrane barriers, the liquid droplets induced by LLPS do not have distinct barriers (lipid bilayer). Biomolecular LLPS in cells has attracted considerable attention in broad research fields from cellular biology to soft matter physics. The physical and chemical properties of LLPS exert a variety of functions in living cells: activating and deactivating biomolecules involving enzymes; controlling the localization, condensation, and concentration of biomolecules; the filtration and purification of biomolecules; and sensing environmental factors for fast, adaptive, and reversible responses. The versatility of LLPS plays an essential role in various biological processes, such as controlling the central dogma and the onset mechanism of pathological diseases. Moreover, biomolecular LLPS could be critical for developing new biotechnologies such as the condensation, purification, and activation of a series of biomolecules. In this review article, we introduce some fundamental aspects and recent progress of biomolecular LLPS in living cells and test tubes. Then, we discuss applications of biomolecular LLPS toward biotechnologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Daisuke Miyoshi
- Faculty of Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Hyogo, Japan
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11
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Dan Y, Radic N, Gay M, Fernández-Torras A, Arauz G, Vilaseca M, Aloy P, Canovas B, Nebreda A. Characterization of p38α signaling networks in cancer cells using quantitative proteomics and phosphoproteomics. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100527. [PMID: 36894123 PMCID: PMC10105487 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
p38α (encoded by MAPK14) is a protein kinase that regulates cellular responses to almost all types of environmental and intracellular stresses. Upon activation, p38α phosphorylates many substrates both in the cytoplasm and nucleus, allowing this pathway to regulate a wide variety of cellular processes. While the role of p38α in the stress response has been widely investigated, its implication in cell homeostasis is less understood. To investigate the signaling networks regulated by p38α in proliferating cancer cells, we performed quantitative proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses in breast cancer cells in which this pathway had been either genetically targeted or chemically inhibited. Our study identified with high confidence 35 proteins and 82 phosphoproteins (114 phosphosites) that are modulated by p38α, and highlighted the implication of various protein kinases, including MK2 and mTOR, in the p38α-regulated signaling networks. Moreover, functional analyses revealed an important contribution of p38α to the regulation of cell adhesion, DNA replication and RNA metabolism. Indeed, we provide experimental evidence supporting that p38α facilitates cancer cell adhesion, and showed that this p38α function is likely mediated by the modulation of the adaptor protein ArgBP2. Collectively, our results illustrate the complexity of the p38α regulated signaling networks, provide valuable information on p38α-dependent phosphorylation events in cancer cells, and document a mechanism by which p38α can regulate cell adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhen Dan
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nevenka Radic
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Gay
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adrià Fernández-Torras
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gianluca Arauz
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Vilaseca
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patrick Aloy
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Begoña Canovas
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - AngelR Nebreda
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain.
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12
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Kanchanawong P, Calderwood DA. Organization, dynamics and mechanoregulation of integrin-mediated cell-ECM adhesions. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:142-161. [PMID: 36168065 PMCID: PMC9892292 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00531-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The ability of animal cells to sense, adhere to and remodel their local extracellular matrix (ECM) is central to control of cell shape, mechanical responsiveness, motility and signalling, and hence to development, tissue formation, wound healing and the immune response. Cell-ECM interactions occur at various specialized, multi-protein adhesion complexes that serve to physically link the ECM to the cytoskeleton and the intracellular signalling apparatus. This occurs predominantly via clustered transmembrane receptors of the integrin family. Here we review how the interplay of mechanical forces, biochemical signalling and molecular self-organization determines the composition, organization, mechanosensitivity and dynamics of these adhesions. Progress in the identification of core multi-protein modules within the adhesions and characterization of rearrangements of their components in response to force, together with advanced imaging approaches, has improved understanding of adhesion maturation and turnover and the relationships between adhesion structures and functions. Perturbations of adhesion contribute to a broad range of diseases and to age-related dysfunction, thus an improved understanding of their molecular nature may facilitate therapeutic intervention in these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pakorn Kanchanawong
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - David A Calderwood
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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13
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Dobrigna M, Poëa-Guyon S, Rousseau V, Vincent A, Toutain A, Barnier JV. The molecular basis of p21-activated kinase-associated neurodevelopmental disorders: From genotype to phenotype. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1123784. [PMID: 36937657 PMCID: PMC10017488 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1123784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the identification of numerous genes involved in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) has reshaped our understanding of their etiology, there are still major obstacles in the way of developing therapeutic solutions for intellectual disability (ID) and other NDDs. These include extensive clinical and genetic heterogeneity, rarity of recurrent pathogenic variants, and comorbidity with other psychiatric traits. Moreover, a large intragenic mutational landscape is at play in some NDDs, leading to a broad range of clinical symptoms. Such diversity of symptoms is due to the different effects DNA variations have on protein functions and their impacts on downstream biological processes. The type of functional alterations, such as loss or gain of function, and interference with signaling pathways, has yet to be correlated with clinical symptoms for most genes. This review aims at discussing our current understanding of how the molecular changes of group I p21-activated kinases (PAK1, 2 and 3), which are essential actors of brain development and function; contribute to a broad clinical spectrum of NDDs. Identifying differences in PAK structure, regulation and spatio-temporal expression may help understanding the specific functions of each group I PAK. Deciphering how each variation type affects these parameters will help uncover the mechanisms underlying mutation pathogenicity. This is a prerequisite for the development of personalized therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Dobrigna
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, UMR 9197, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Sandrine Poëa-Guyon
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, UMR 9197, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Véronique Rousseau
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, UMR 9197, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Aline Vincent
- Department of Genetics, EA7450 BioTARGen, University Hospital of Caen, Caen, France
| | - Annick Toutain
- Department of Genetics, University Hospital of Tours, UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, INSERM, Tours, France
| | - Jean-Vianney Barnier
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, UMR 9197, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
- *Correspondence: Jean-Vianney Barnier,
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14
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Gu J, Peng RK, Guo CL, Zhang M, Yang J, Yan X, Zhou Q, Li H, Wang N, Zhu J, Ouyang Q. Construction of a synthetic methodology-based library and its application in identifying a GIT/PIX protein-protein interaction inhibitor. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7176. [PMID: 36418900 PMCID: PMC9684509 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34598-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the flourishing of synthetic methodology studies has provided concise access to numerous molecules with new chemical space. These compounds form a large library with unique scaffolds, but their application in hit discovery is not systematically evaluated. In this work, we establish a synthetic methodology-based compound library (SMBL), integrated with compounds obtained from our synthetic researches, as well as their virtual derivatives in significantly larger scale. We screen the library and identify small-molecule inhibitors to interrupt the protein-protein interaction (PPI) of GIT1/β-Pix complex, an unrevealed target involved in gastric cancer metastasis. The inhibitor 14-5-18 with a spiro[bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2,3'-indolin]-2'-one scaffold, considerably retards gastric cancer metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Since the PPI targets are considered undruggable as they are hard to target, the successful application illustrates the structural specificity of SMBL, demonstrating its potential to be utilized as compound source for more challenging targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Gu
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, 400038 Chongqing, China
| | - Rui-Kun Peng
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, 400038 Chongqing, China
| | - Chun-Ling Guo
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, 400038 Chongqing, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Yang
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, 400038 Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao Yan
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, 400038 Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, 400038 Chongqing, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, 400038 Chongqing, China
| | - Na Wang
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, 400038 Chongqing, China
| | - Jinwei Zhu
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Ouyang
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, 400038 Chongqing, China
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15
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Liu S, Premont RT, Park KH, Rockey DC. β-PIX cooperates with GIT1 to regulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase in sinusoidal endothelial cells. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2022; 323:G511-G522. [PMID: 36044673 PMCID: PMC9639759 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00034.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that G protein-coupled receptor kinase interacting-1 protein (GIT1) associates with endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) to regulate nitric oxide production in sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs). Here, we hypothesized that GIT1's tightly associated binding partner, β-PIX (p21-activated kinase-interacting exchange factor β, ARHGEF7) is specifically important in the regulation of eNOS activity. We examined β-PIX expression in normal rat liver by immunohistochemistry and explored β-PIX protein-protein interactions using immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. The role of β-PIX in regulating eNOS enzymatic activity was studied in GIT1-deficient SECs. Finally, structural analysis of interaction sites in GIT1 and β-PIX required to regulate eNOS activity were mapped. β-PIX was expressed primarily in SECs in normal liver and was either absent or expressed at extremely low levels in other liver cells (stellate cells, Kupffer cells, and hepatocytes). β-PIX interacted with GIT1 and eNOS to form a trimolecular signaling module in normal SECs and was important in stimulating eNOS activity. Of note, GIT1-β-PIX interaction led to synergistic enhancement of eNOS activity, and β-PIX-driven increase in eNOS activity was GIT1 dependent. Disruption of β-PIX or GIT1 in normal SECs using β-PIX siRNA or GIT1-deficient SECs led to reduced eNOS activity. Finally, specific GIT1 domains [Spa2 homology domain (SHD) and synaptic localization domain (SLD), aa 331-596] and the β-PIX COOH terminal (aa 496-555) appeared to be critical in the regulation eNOS activity. The data indicate that β-PIX regulates eNOS phosphorylation and function in normal SECs and highlight the importance of the GIT1/β-PIX/eNOS trimolecular complex in normal liver SEC function.NEW & NOTEWORTHY β-PIX is a multidomain protein known to be a GIT1 binding partner. We report here that in the normal liver, the distribution and cellular localization of β-PIX are restricted largely to sinusoidal endothelial cells. Furthermore, β-PIX interacts with eNOS and GIT1 promotes eNOS activity and NO production and therefore exerts a novel posttranslational regulatory function on eNOS activity in sinusoidal endothelial cells. We also have identified specific molecular domains important in GIT1 and β-PIX's interaction with eNOS, which may represent novel therapeutic targets in the control of sinusoidal blood flow and intrahepatic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songling Liu
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Richard T Premont
- Harrington Discovery Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
- Institute for Transformative Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ki-Hoon Park
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Don C Rockey
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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16
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Le Coq J, Acebrón I, Rodrigo Martin B, López Navajas P, Lietha D. New insights into FAK structure and function in focal adhesions. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:277381. [PMID: 36239192 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK; also known as PTK2) was discovered three decades ago and is now recognised as a key player in the regulation of cell-matrix adhesion and mesenchymal cell migration. Although it is essential during development, FAK also drives invasive cancer progression and metastasis. On a structural level, the basic building blocks of FAK have been described for some time. However, a picture of how FAK integrates into larger assemblies in various cellular environments, including one of its main cellular locations, the focal adhesion (FA) complex, is only beginning to emerge. Nano-resolution data from cellular studies, as well as atomic structures from reconstituted systems, have provided first insights, but also point to challenges that remain for obtaining a full structural understanding of how FAK is integrated in the FA complex and the structural changes occurring at different stages of FA maturation. In this Review, we discuss the known structural features of FAK, the interactions with its partners within the FA environment on the cell membrane and propose how its initial assembly in nascent FAs might change during FA maturation under force.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne Le Coq
- Structural Biology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Iván Acebrón
- Structural Biology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bárbara Rodrigo Martin
- Structural and Chemical Biology, Margarita Salas Center for Biological Research (CIB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar López Navajas
- Structural and Chemical Biology, Margarita Salas Center for Biological Research (CIB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Lietha
- Structural and Chemical Biology, Margarita Salas Center for Biological Research (CIB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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17
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Shi Y, Lin L, Wang C, Zhu J. Promotion of row 1-specific tip complex condensates by Gpsm2-Gαi provides insights into row identity of the tallest stereocilia. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn4556. [PMID: 35687681 PMCID: PMC9187228 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn4556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The mechanosensory stereocilia in hair cells are organized into rows of graded height, a property crucial for auditory perception. Gpsm2-Gαi-Whirlin-Myo15-Eps8 complex at tips of the tallest stereocilia is proposed to define hair bundle row identity, although the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we find that Gpsm2 could undergo phase separation. Moreover, row 1-specific Gpsm2-Gαi complex significantly promotes the formation of the five-component tip complex density (5xTCD) condensates. The 5xTCD condensates display much stronger actin-bundling ability than those without Gpsm2-Gαi, which may provide critical insights into how Gpsm2-Gαi specifies the tallest stereocilia. A deafness-associated mutation of Gpsm2 leads to impaired formation of the 5xTCD condensates and consequently reduced actin bundling, providing possible clues for etiology of hearing loss in patients with Chudley-McCullough syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingdong Shi
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Jinwei Zhu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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18
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Ripamonti M, Wehrle-Haller B, de Curtis I. Paxillin: A Hub for Mechano-Transduction from the β3 Integrin-Talin-Kindlin Axis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:852016. [PMID: 35450290 PMCID: PMC9016114 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.852016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesions are specialized integrin-dependent adhesion complexes, which ensure cell anchoring to the extracellular matrix. Focal adhesions also function as mechano-signaling platforms by perceiving and integrating diverse physical and (bio)chemical cues of their microenvironment, and by transducing them into intracellular signaling for the control of cell behavior. The fundamental biological mechanism of creating intracellular signaling in response to changes in tensional forces appears to be tightly linked to paxillin recruitment and binding to focal adhesions. Interestingly, the tension-dependent nature of the paxillin binding to adhesions, combined with its scaffolding function, suggests a major role of this protein in integrating multiple signals from the microenvironment, and accordingly activating diverse molecular responses. This minireview offers an overview of the molecular bases of the mechano-sensitivity and mechano-signaling capacity of core focal adhesion proteins, and highlights the role of paxillin as a key component of the mechano-transducing machinery based on the interaction of cells to substrates activating the β3 integrin-talin1-kindlin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Ripamonti
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Bernhard Wehrle-Haller
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Centre Médical Universitaire, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ivan de Curtis
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
- *Correspondence: Ivan de Curtis,
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19
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Abstract
The 14-3-3 family proteins are vital scaffold proteins that ubiquitously expressed in various tissues. They interact with numerous protein targets and mediate many cellular signaling pathways. The 14-3-3 binding motifs are often embedded in intrinsically disordered regions which are closely associated with liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). In the past ten years, LLPS has been observed for a variety of proteins and biological processes, indicating that LLPS plays a fundamental role in the formation of membraneless organelles and cellular condensates. While extensive investigations have been performed on 14-3-3 proteins, its involvement in LLPS is overlooked. To date, 14-3-3 proteins have not been reported to undergo LLPS alone or regulate LLPS of their binding partners. To reveal the potential involvement of 14-3-3 proteins in LLPS, in this review, we summarized the LLPS propensity of 14-3-3 binding partners and found that about one half of them may undergo LLPS spontaneously. We further analyzed the phase separation behavior of representative 14-3-3 binders and discussed how 14-3-3 proteins may be involved. By modulating the conformation and valence of interactions and recruiting other molecules, we speculate that 14-3-3 proteins can efficiently regulate the functions of their targets in the context of LLPS. Considering the critical roles of 14-3-3 proteins, there is an urgent need for investigating the involvement of 14-3-3 proteins in the phase separation process of their targets and the underling mechanisms.
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20
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Lin YH, Wu H, Jia B, Zhang M, Chan HS. Assembly of model postsynaptic densities involves interactions auxiliary to stoichiometric binding. Biophys J 2022; 121:157-171. [PMID: 34637756 PMCID: PMC8758407 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The assembly of functional biomolecular condensates often involves liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of proteins with multiple modular domains, which can be folded or conformationally disordered to various degrees. To understand the LLPS-driving domain-domain interactions, a fundamental question is how readily the interactions in the condensed phase can be inferred from interdomain interactions in dilute solutions. In particular, are the interactions leading to LLPS exclusively those underlying the formation of discrete interdomain complexes in homogeneous solutions? We address this question by developing a mean-field LLPS theory of two stoichiometrically constrained solute species. The theory is applied to the neuronal proteins SynGAP and PSD-95, whose complex coacervate serves as a rudimentary model for neuronal postsynaptic densities (PSDs). The predicted phase behaviors are compared with experiments. Previously, a three SynGAP/two PSD-95 ratio was determined for SynGAP/PSD-95 complexes in dilute solutions. However, when this 3:2 stoichiometry is uniformly imposed in our theory encompassing both dilute and condensed phases, the tie-line pattern of the predicted SynGAP/PSD-95 phase diagram differs drastically from that obtained experimentally. In contrast, theories embodying alternate scenarios postulating auxiliary SynGAP-PSD-95 as well as SynGAP-SynGAP and PSD-95-PSD-95 interactions, in addition to those responsible for stoichiometric SynGAP/PSD-95 complexes, produce tie-line patterns consistent with experiment. Hence, our combined theoretical-experimental analysis indicates that weaker interactions or higher-order complexes beyond the 3:2 stoichiometry, but not yet documented, are involved in the formation of SynGAP/PSD-95 condensates, imploring future efforts to ascertain the nature of these auxiliary interactions in PSD-like LLPS and underscoring a likely general synergy between stoichiometric, structurally specific binding and stochastic, multivalent "fuzzy" interactions in the assembly of functional biomolecular condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Haowei Wu
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bowen Jia
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mingjie Zhang
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China,School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China,Corresponding author
| | - Hue Sun Chan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Corresponding author
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21
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Ramella M, Ribolla LM, de Curtis I. Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation at the Plasma Membrane-Cytosol Interface: Common Players in Adhesion, Motility, and Synaptic Function. J Mol Biol 2021; 434:167228. [PMID: 34487789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Networks of scaffold proteins and enzymes assemble at the interface between the cytosol and specific sites of the plasma membrane, where these networks guide distinct cellular functions. Some of these plasma membrane-associated platforms (PMAPs) include shared core components that are able to establish specific protein-protein interactions, to produce distinct supramolecular assemblies regulating dynamic processes as diverse as cell adhesion and motility, or the formation and function of neuronal synapses. How cells organize such dynamic networks is still an open question. In this review we introduce molecular networks assembling at the edge of migrating cells, and at pre- and postsynaptic sites, which share molecular players that can drive the assembly of biomolecular condensates. Very recent experimental evidence has highlighted the emerging role of some of these multidomain/scaffold proteins belonging to the GIT, liprin-α and ELKS/ERC families as drivers of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). The data point to an important role of LLPS: (i) in the formation of PMAPs at the edge of migrating cells, where LLPS appears to be involved in promoting protrusion and the turnover of integrin-mediated adhesions, to allow forward cell translocation; (ii) in the assembly of the presynaptic active zone and of the postsynaptic density deputed to the release and reception of neurotransmitter signals, respectively. The recent results indicate that LLPS at cytosol-membrane interfaces is suitable not only for the regulation of active cellular processes, but also for the continuous spatial rearrangements of the molecular interactions involved in these dynamic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ramella
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 58, 20132 Milano, Italy.
| | - Lucrezia Maria Ribolla
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 58, 20132 Milano, Italy.
| | - Ivan de Curtis
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 58, 20132 Milano, Italy.
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22
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Liquid-liquid phase separation: a principal organizer of the cell's biochemical activity architecture. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:845-856. [PMID: 34373114 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Numerous processes occur simultaneously in the cell both for normal function and in response to changes in the environment. The ability of cells to segregate biochemical reactions into separate compartments is essential to ensure specificity and efficiency in cellular processes. The discovery of liquid-liquid phase separation as a mechanism of compartmentalization has revised our thinking regarding the intracellular organization of molecular pathways such as signal transduction. Here, we highlight recent studies that advance our understanding of how phase separation impacts the organization of biochemical processes, with a particular focus on the tools used to study the functional impact of phase separation. In addition, we offer some of our perspectives on the pathological consequences of dysregulated phase separation in biochemical pathways.
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23
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Ismail H, Liu X, Yang F, Li J, Zahid A, Dou Z, Liu X, Yao X. Mechanisms and regulation underlying membraneless organelle plasticity control. J Mol Cell Biol 2021; 13:239-258. [PMID: 33914074 PMCID: PMC8339361 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjab028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolution has enabled living cells to adopt their structural and functional complexity by organizing intricate cellular compartments, such as membrane-bound and membraneless organelles (MLOs), for spatiotemporal catalysis of physiochemical reactions essential for cell plasticity control. Emerging evidence and view support the notion that MLOs are built by multivalent interactions of biomolecules via phase separation and transition mechanisms. In healthy cells, dynamic chemical modifications regulate MLO plasticity, and reversible phase separation is essential for cell homeostasis. Emerging evidence revealed that aberrant phase separation results in numerous neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and other diseases. In this review, we provide molecular underpinnings on (i) mechanistic understanding of phase separation, (ii) unifying structural and mechanistic principles that underlie this phenomenon, (iii) various mechanisms that are used by cells for the regulation of phase separation, and (iv) emerging therapeutic and other applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazrat Ismail
- MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics and CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Xu Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics and CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Keck Center for Organoids Plasticity Control, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Fengrui Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics and CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Keck Center for Organoids Plasticity Control, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Junying Li
- MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics and CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Chemical Biology, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Ayesha Zahid
- MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics and CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Zhen Dou
- MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics and CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Xing Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics and CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Chemical Biology, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Xuebiao Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics and CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics & Chemical Biology, Hefei 230027, China
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24
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Feng Z, Jia B, Zhang M. Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation in Biology: Specific Stoichiometric Molecular Interactions vs Promiscuous Interactions Mediated by Disordered Sequences. Biochemistry 2021; 60:2397-2406. [PMID: 34291921 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Extensive studies in the past few years have shown that nonmembrane bound organelles are likely assembled via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), a process that is driven by multivalent protein-protein and/or protein-nucleic acid interactions. Both stoichiometric molecular interactions and intrinsically disordered region (IDR)-driven interactions can promote the assembly of membraneless organelles, and the field is currently dominated by IDR-driven biological condensate formation. Here we discuss recent studies that demonstrate the importance of specific biomolecular interactions for functions of diverse physiological condensates. We suggest that phase separation based on combinations of specific interactions and promiscuous IDR-driven interactions is likely a general feature of biological condensation under physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Feng
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong China.,School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Bowen Jia
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong China
| | - Mingjie Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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25
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Jaqaman K, Ditlev JA. Biomolecular condensates in membrane receptor signaling. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2021; 69:48-54. [PMID: 33461072 PMCID: PMC8058224 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Clustering is a prominent feature of receptors at the plasma membrane (PM). It plays an important role in signaling. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of proteins is emerging as a novel mechanism underlying the observed clustering. Receptors/transmembrane signaling proteins can be core components essential for LLPS (such as LAT or nephrin) or clients enriched at the phase-separated condensates (for example, at the postsynaptic density or at tight junctions). Condensate formation has been shown to regulate signaling in multiple ways, including by increasing protein binding avidity and by modulating the local biochemical environment. In moving forward, it is important to study protein LLPS at the PM of living cells, its interplay with other factors underlying receptor clustering, and its signaling and functional consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khuloud Jaqaman
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Jonathon A Ditlev
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
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26
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Xie X, Liang M, Yu C, Wei Z. Liprin-α-Mediated Assemblies and Their Roles in Synapse Formation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:653381. [PMID: 33869211 PMCID: PMC8044993 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.653381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain's functions, such as memory and learning, rely on synapses that are highly specialized cellular junctions connecting neurons. Functional synapses orchestrate the assembly of ion channels, receptors, enzymes, and scaffold proteins in both pre- and post-synapse. Liprin-α proteins are master scaffolds in synapses and coordinate various synaptic proteins to assemble large protein complexes. The functions of liprin-αs in synapse formation have been largely uncovered by genetic studies in diverse model systems. Recently, emerging structural and biochemical studies on liprin-α proteins and their binding partners begin to unveil the molecular basis of the synaptic assembly. This review summarizes the recent structural findings on liprin-αs, proposes the assembly mechanism of liprin-α-mediated complexes, and discusses the liprin-α-organized assemblies in the regulation of synapse formation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingqiao Xie
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mingfu Liang
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cong Yu
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiyi Wei
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Brain Research Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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27
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Liang M, Jin G, Xie X, Zhang W, Li K, Niu F, Yu C, Wei Z. Oligomerized liprin-α promotes phase separation of ELKS for compartmentalization of presynaptic active zone proteins. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108901. [PMID: 33761347 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic scaffold proteins (e.g., liprin-α, ELKS, RIM, and RIM-BP) orchestrate ion channels, receptors, and enzymes at presynaptic terminals to form active zones for neurotransmitter release. The underlying mechanism of the active zone assembly remains elusive. Here, we report that liprin-α proteins have the potential to oligomerize through the N-terminal coiled-coil region. Our structural and biochemical characterizations reveal that a gain-of-function mutation promotes the self-assembly of the coiled coils in liprin-α2 by disrupting intramolecular interactions and promoting intermolecular interactions. By enabling multivalent interactions with ELKS proteins, the oligomerized coiled-coil region of liprin-α2 enhances the phase separation of the ELKS N-terminal segment. We further show that liprin-α2, by regulating the interplay between two phase separations of ELKS and RIM/RIM-BP, controls the protein distributions. These results imply that the complicated protein-protein interactions allow liprin-α to function with the active zone scaffolds and compartmentalize protein assemblies to achieve comprehensive functions in the active zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingfu Liang
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Gaowei Jin
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Xingqiao Xie
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Wenchao Zhang
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Kaiyue Li
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Fengfeng Niu
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Cong Yu
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
| | - Zhiyi Wei
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China; Brain Research Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
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28
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Lin L, Shi Y, Wang M, Wang C, Lu Q, Zhu J, Zhang R. Phase separation-mediated condensation of Whirlin-Myo15-Eps8 stereocilia tip complex. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108770. [PMID: 33626355 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Stereocilia, the mechanosensory organelles on the apical surface of hair cells, are necessary to detect sound and carry out mechano-electrical transduction. An electron-dense matrix is located at the distal tips of stereocilia and plays crucial roles in the regulation of stereocilia morphology. Mutations of the components in this tip complex density (TCD) have been associated with profound deafness. However, the mechanism underlying the formation of the TCD is largely unknown. Here, we discover that the specific multivalent interactions among the Whirlin-myosin 15 (Myo15)-Eps8 complex lead to the formation of the TCD-like condensates through liquid-liquid phase separation. The reconstituted TCD-like condensates effectively promote actin bundling. A deafness-associated mutation of Myo15 interferes with the condensates formation and consequently impairs actin bundling. Therefore, our study not only suggests that the TCD in hair cell stereocilia may form via phase separation but it also provides important clues for the possible mechanism underlying hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yingdong Shi
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Mengli Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Qing Lu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jinwei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Rongguang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
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29
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de Curtis I. Biomolecular Condensates at the Front: Cell Migration Meets Phase Separation. Trends Cell Biol 2021; 31:145-148. [PMID: 33397597 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation drives the formation of biomolecular condensates (BCs) for the spatiotemporal organization of several cellular processes. Recent evidences indicate that components of plasma-membrane-associated platforms form biomolecular condensates near focal adhesions (FAs), and suggest that phase separation regulates dynamic processes occurring at the front of migrating cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan de Curtis
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Division of Neuroscience, 20132, Milano, Italy.
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