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Alaman OAP, Pedrosa-Gerasmio IR, Koiwai K, Nozaki R, Kondo H, Hirono I. Molecular characterization of a short-chained pentraxin gene from kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus hemocytes. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 149:109548. [PMID: 38588870 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Pentraxins (PTXs) are a family of pattern recognition proteins (PRPs) that play a role in pathogen recognition during infection via pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Here, we characterized a short-chained pentraxin isolated from kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus) hemocytes (MjPTX). MjPTX contains the pentraxin signature HxCxS/TWxS (where x can be any amino acid), although the second conserved residue of this signature differed slightly (L instead of C). In the phylogenetic analysis, MjPTX clustered closely with predicted sequences from crustaceans (shrimp, lobster, and crayfish) displaying high sequence identities exceeding 52.67 %. In contrast, MjPTX showed minimal sequence identity when compared to functionally similar proteins in other animals, with sequence identities ranging from 20.42 % (mouse) to 28.14 % (horseshoe crab). MjPTX mRNA transcript levels increased significantly after artificial infection with Vibrio parahaemolyticus (48 h), White Spot Syndrome Virus (72 h) and Yellow Head Virus (24 and 48 h). Assays done in vitro revealed that recombinant MjPTX (rMjPTX) has an ability to agglutinate Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and to bind microbial polysaccharides and bacterial suspensions in the presence of Ca2+. Taken together, our results suggest that MjPTX functions as a classical pattern recognition protein in the presence of calcium ions, that is capable of binding to specific moieties present on the surface of microorganisms and facilitating their clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Adrianne P Alaman
- Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan; Institute of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines.
| | - Ivane R Pedrosa-Gerasmio
- Department of Marine Science, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City, Philippines
| | - Keichiro Koiwai
- Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Reiko Nozaki
- Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidehiro Kondo
- Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ikuo Hirono
- Graduate School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
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2
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Bennink S, Pradel G. The Multiple Roles of LCCL Domain-Containing Proteins for Malaria Parasite Transmission. Microorganisms 2024; 12:279. [PMID: 38399683 PMCID: PMC10892792 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020279] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Multi-protein complexes are crucial for various essential biological processes of the malaria parasite Plasmodium, such as protein synthesis, host cell invasion and adhesion. Especially during the sexual phase of the parasite, which takes place in the midgut of the mosquito vector, protein complexes are required for fertilization, sporulation and ultimately for the successful transmission of the parasite. Among the most noticeable protein complexes of the transmission stages are the ones formed by the LCCL domain-containing protein family that play critical roles in the generation of infective sporozoites. The six members of this protein family are characterized by numerous adhesive modules and domains typically found in secreted proteins. This review summarizes the findings of expression and functional studies on the LCCL domain-containing proteins of the human pathogenic P. falciparum and the rodent-infecting P. berghei and discusses the common features and differences of the homologous proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriele Pradel
- Division of Cellular and Applied Infection Biology, Institute of Zoology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
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Wang Y, Chen W, Ding S, Wang W, Wang C. Pentraxins in invertebrates and vertebrates: From structure, function and evolution to clinical applications. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 149:105064. [PMID: 37734429 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.105064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The immune system is divided into two broad categories, consisting of innate and adaptive immunity. As recognition and effector factors of innate immunity and regulators of adaptive immune responses, lectins are considered to be important defense chemicals against microbial pathogens, cell trafficking, immune regulation, and prevention of autoimmunity. Pentraxins, important members of animal lectins, play a significant role in protecting the body from pathogen infection and regulating inflammatory reactions. They can recognize and bind to a variety of ligands, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids and their complexes, and protect the host from pathogen invasion by activating the complement cascade and Fcγ receptor pathways. Based on the primary structure of the subunit, pentraxins are divided into short and long pentraxins. The short pentraxins are comprised of C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid P (SAP), and the most important member of the long pentraxins is pentraxin 3 (PTX3). The CRP and SAP exist in both vertebrates and invertebrates, while the PTX3 may be present only in vertebrates. The major ligands and functions of CRP, SAP and PTX3 and three activation pathways involved in the complement system are summarized in this review. Their different characteristics in various animals including humans, and their evolutionary trees are analyzed. The clinical applications of CRP, SAP and PTX3 in human are reviewed. Some questions that remain to be understood are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, People's Republic of China; Yantai Productivity Promotion Center, Yantai, 264003, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo Ding
- School of Life Sciences, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjun Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, People's Republic of China
| | - Changliu Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, People's Republic of China.
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Mouliou DS. C-Reactive Protein: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, False Test Results and a Novel Diagnostic Algorithm for Clinicians. Diseases 2023; 11:132. [PMID: 37873776 PMCID: PMC10594506 DOI: 10.3390/diseases11040132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The current literature provides a body of evidence on C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and its potential role in inflammation. However, most pieces of evidence are sparse and controversial. This critical state-of-the-art monography provides all the crucial data on the potential biochemical properties of the protein, along with further evidence on its potential pathobiology, both for its pentameric and monomeric forms, including information for its ligands as well as the possible function of autoantibodies against the protein. Furthermore, the current evidence on its potential utility as a biomarker of various diseases is presented, of all cardiovascular, respiratory, hepatobiliary, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, renal, gynecological, andrological, dental, oral, otorhinolaryngological, ophthalmological, dermatological, musculoskeletal, neurological, mental, splenic, thyroid conditions, as well as infections, autoimmune-supposed conditions and neoplasms, including other possible factors that have been linked with elevated concentrations of that protein. Moreover, data on molecular diagnostics on CRP are discussed, and possible etiologies of false test results are highlighted. Additionally, this review evaluates all current pieces of evidence on CRP and systemic inflammation, and highlights future goals. Finally, a novel diagnostic algorithm to carefully assess the CRP level for a precise diagnosis of a medical condition is illustrated.
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Ngwa DN, Agrawal A. Structurally Altered, Not Wild-Type, Pentameric C-Reactive Protein Inhibits Formation of Amyloid-β Fibrils. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:1180-1188. [PMID: 35977795 PMCID: PMC9492646 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The structure of wild-type pentameric C-reactive protein (CRP) is stabilized by two calcium ions that are required for the binding of CRP to its ligand phosphocholine. CRP in its structurally altered pentameric conformations also binds to proteins that are denatured and aggregated by immobilization on microtiter plates; however, the identity of the ligand on immobilized proteins remains unknown. We tested the hypotheses that immobilization of proteins generated an amyloid-like structure and that amyloid-like structure was the ligand for structurally altered pentameric CRP. We found that the Abs to amyloid-β peptide 1-42 (Aβ) reacted with immobilized proteins, indicating that some immobilized proteins express an Aβ epitope. Accordingly, four different CRP mutants capable of binding to immobilized proteins were constructed, and their binding to fluid-phase Aβ was determined. All CRP mutants bound to fluid-phase Aβ, suggesting that Aβ is a ligand for structurally altered pentameric CRP. In addition, the interaction between CRP mutants and Aβ prevented the formation of Aβ fibrils. The growth of Aβ fibrils was also halted when CRP mutants were added to growing fibrils. Biochemical analyses of CRP mutants revealed altered topology of the Ca2+-binding site, suggesting a role of this region of CRP in binding to Aβ. Combined with previous reports that structurally altered pentameric CRP is generated in vivo, we conclude that CRP is a dual pattern recognition molecule and an antiamyloidogenic protein. These findings have implications for Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases caused by amyloidosis and for the diseases caused by the deposition of otherwise fluid-phase proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald N Ngwa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
| | - Alok Agrawal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
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Yang R, Hu J, Zeng B, Yang D, Li D, Yang M, Fan X, Li X, Mao X, Liu Y, Lyu Y, Li Y. Structural characterization of immune receptor family short pentraxins, C-reactive protein and serum amyloid P component, in primates. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 130:104371. [PMID: 35131310 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2022.104371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The short pentraxins C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid P component (SAP) are a family of pattern-recognition molecules that play versatile roles in innate immunity and inflammation. A comprehensive description is currently lacking as to the genetic characteristics of these molecules in primates. In the present study, we analyzed genetic changes of CRP and SAP genes in this phylogenic lineage. The results revealed that adaptive selection has brought about interspecific diversities of both genes. The adaptively selected amino acid changes have occurred in or adjacent to the structural domains involved in ligand- and effector-binding and homologous aggregation. Each gene, however, exhibits a striking lack of genetic variation in both commonly-used non-human primate models Macaca fascicularis and M. mulatta. These findings highlight basic facts on the genetic characteristics of primate short pentraxins and would contribute powerfully to the extrapolation of their functional insights and physiological outcomes from primate models to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, People's Republic of China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, People's Republic of China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, People's Republic of China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Deying Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, People's Republic of China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Diyan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, People's Republic of China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingyao Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, People's Republic of China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolan Fan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, People's Republic of China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China; The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Capital Medical University, Ministry of Education, Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueping Mao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, People's Republic of China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulei Liu
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China; The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Capital Medical University, Ministry of Education, Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongqing Lyu
- The First Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, People's Republic of China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, People's Republic of China.
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Gromiha MM, Orengo CA, Sowdhamini R, Thornton AJM. Srinivasan (1962-2021) in Bioinformatics and beyond. Bioinformatics 2022; 38:2377-2379. [PMID: 35134112 PMCID: PMC9004639 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btac054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M Michael Gromiha
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600036, India
| | - Christine A Orengo
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ramanathan Sowdhamini
- National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS-TIFR), GKVK Campus, Bangalore, Karnataka 560065, India,Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India,Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bangalore 560100, India
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Modulation of the Tissue Expression Pattern of Zebrafish CRP-Like Molecules Suggests a Relevant Antiviral Role in Fish Skin. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10020078. [PMID: 33498981 PMCID: PMC7912335 DOI: 10.3390/biology10020078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The clinical use of the human short pentraxin C-reactive protein as a health biomarker is expanded worldwide. The acute increase of the serum levels of short pentraxins in response to bacterial infections is evolutionarily conserved, as are the main functions of pentraxins. Interestingly, fish orthologs have been found to increase similarly after bacterial and viral stimuli, thus becoming promising candidates for health biomarkers of both types of infection in this group of vertebrates. To preliminarily assess their adequacy for this application, zebrafish and a fish rhabdovirus were chosen as infection model systems for the analysis of the levels of gene expression of all short pentraxins in healthy and infected animals in a wide range of tissues. Because some significant increases were found in skin (a very suitable sampling source for testing purposes), further transcript analyses were carried out in this tissue. Due to the functional similarities between pentraxins and antibodies, it was also checked whether short pentraxins can compensate for the deficiencies in adaptive immunity by using mutant zebrafish lacking this system. In conclusion, the obtained results suggest that short pentraxins are highly reactant against viruses in skin and their overexpression seems to reflect a mechanism to compensate for the loss of adaptive immunity. Abstract Recent studies suggest that short pentraxins in fish might serve as biomarkers for not only bacterial infections, as in higher vertebrates including humans, but also for viral ones. These fish orthologs of mammalian short pentraxins are currently attracting interest because of their newly discovered antiviral activity. In the present work, the modulation of the gene expression of all zebrafish short pentraxins (CRP-like proteins, CRP1-7) was extensively analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Initially, the tissue distribution of crp1-7 transcripts and how the transcripts varied in response to a bath infection with the spring viremia of carp virus, were determined. The expression of crp1-7 was widely distributed and generally increased after infection (mostly at 5 days post infection), except for crp1 (downregulated). Interestingly, several crp transcription levels significantly increased in skin. Further assays in mutant zebrafish of recombinant activation gene 1 (rag1) showed that all crps (except for crp2, downregulated) were already constitutively highly expressed in skin from rag1 knockouts and only increased moderately after viral infection. Similar results were obtained for most mx isoforms (a reporter gene of the interferon response), suggesting a general overcompensation of the innate immunity in the absence of the adaptive one.
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Rajab IM, Hart PC, Potempa LA. How C-Reactive Protein Structural Isoforms With Distinctive Bioactivities Affect Disease Progression. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2126. [PMID: 33013897 PMCID: PMC7511658 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a widely known, hepatically synthesized protein whose blood levels change rapidly and pronouncedly in response to any tissue damaging event associated with an inflammatory response. The synthesis and secretion of CRP is stimulated by interleukin-6, an early pleiotropic cytokine released by macrophages, endothelial, and other cells that are activated when localized normal tissue structures are compromised by trauma or disease. Serum CRP levels can change rapidly and robustly from 10-100-fold within 6–72 h of any tissue damaging event. Elevated blood levels correlate with the onset and extent of both activated inflammation and the acute phase biochemical response to the tissue insult. Because its functional bioactivity as the prototypic acute phase reactant has eluded clear definition for decades, diagnosticians of various conditions and diseases use CRP blood levels as a simple index for ongoing inflammation. In many pathologies, which involves many different tissues, stages of disease, treatments, and responses to treatments, its interpretive diagnostic value requires a deeper understanding of the localized tissue processes and events that contribute signals which regulate protective or pathological host defense bioactivities. This report presents concepts that describe how local tissue activation events can lead to a non-proteolytic, conformational rearrangement of CRP into a unique isoform with distinctive solubility, antigenicity, binding reactivities and bioactivities from that protein widely known and measured in serum. By describing factors that control the expression, tissue localization, half-life and pro-inflammatory amplification activity of this CRP isoform, a unifying explanation for the diagnostic significance of CRP measurement in disease is advanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibraheem M Rajab
- Roosevelt University College of Pharmacy, Schaumburg, IL, United States
| | - Peter C Hart
- Roosevelt University College of Pharmacy, Schaumburg, IL, United States
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10
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Suzuki K, Elegheert J, Song I, Sasakura H, Senkov O, Matsuda K, Kakegawa W, Clayton AJ, Chang VT, Ferrer-Ferrer M, Miura E, Kaushik R, Ikeno M, Morioka Y, Takeuchi Y, Shimada T, Otsuka S, Stoyanov S, Watanabe M, Takeuchi K, Dityatev A, Aricescu AR, Yuzaki M. A synthetic synaptic organizer protein restores glutamatergic neuronal circuits. Science 2020; 369:369/6507/eabb4853. [PMID: 32855309 PMCID: PMC7116145 DOI: 10.1126/science.abb4853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal synapses undergo structural and functional changes throughout life, which are essential for nervous system physiology. However, these changes may also perturb the excitatory-inhibitory neurotransmission balance and trigger neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders. Molecular tools to restore this balance are highly desirable. Here, we designed and characterized CPTX, a synthetic synaptic organizer combining structural elements from cerebellin-1 and neuronal pentraxin-1. CPTX can interact with presynaptic neurexins and postsynaptic AMPA-type ionotropic glutamate receptors and induced the formation of excitatory synapses both in vitro and in vivo. CPTX restored synaptic functions, motor coordination, spatial and contextual memories, and locomotion in mouse models for cerebellar ataxia, Alzheimer's disease, and spinal cord injury, respectively. Thus, CPTX represents a prototype for structure-guided biologics that can efficiently repair or remodel neuronal circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunimichi Suzuki
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Jonathan Elegheert
- Division of Structural Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Inseon Song
- Molecular Neuroplasticity, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Hiroyuki Sasakura
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Oleg Senkov
- Molecular Neuroplasticity, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Keiko Matsuda
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Wataru Kakegawa
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Amber J Clayton
- Division of Structural Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Veronica T Chang
- Division of Structural Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Maura Ferrer-Ferrer
- Molecular Neuroplasticity, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Eriko Miura
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Rahul Kaushik
- Molecular Neuroplasticity, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Masashi Ikeno
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuki Morioka
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuka Takeuchi
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Shimada
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shintaro Otsuka
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Stoyan Stoyanov
- Molecular Neuroplasticity, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Anatomy, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Kosei Takeuchi
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Alexander Dityatev
- Molecular Neuroplasticity, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - A Radu Aricescu
- Division of Structural Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK.
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Michisuke Yuzaki
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
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Rajab IM, Majerczyk D, Olson ME, Addams JMB, Choe ML, Nelson MS, Potempa LA. C-reactive protein in gallbladder diseases: diagnostic and therapeutic insights. BIOPHYSICS REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s41048-020-00108-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Bello-Perez M, Pereiro P, Coll J, Novoa B, Perez L, Falco A. Zebrafish C-reactive protein isoforms inhibit SVCV replication by blocking autophagy through interactions with cell membrane cholesterol. Sci Rep 2020; 10:566. [PMID: 31953490 PMCID: PMC6969114 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57501-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present work, the mechanisms involved in the recently reported antiviral activity of zebrafish C-reactive protein-like protein (CRP1-7) against the spring viraemia of carp rhabdovirus (SVCV) in fish are explored. The results neither indicate blocking of the attachment or the binding step of the viral replication cycle nor suggest the direct inhibition of G protein fusion activity or the stimulation of the host’s interferon system. However, an antiviral state in the host is induced. Further results showed that the antiviral protection conferred by CRP1-7 was mainly due to the inhibition of autophagic processes. Thus, given the high affinity of CRPs for cholesterol and the recently described influence of the cholesterol balance in lipid rafts on autophagy, both methyl-β-cyclodextrin (a cholesterol-complexing agent) and 25-hydroxycholesterol (a cholesterol molecule with antiviral properties) were used to further describe CRP activity. All the tested compounds exerted antiviral activity by affecting autophagy in a similar manner. Further assays indicate that CRP reduces autophagy activity by initially disturbing the cholesterol ratios in the host cellular membranes, which in turn negatively affects the intracellular regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increases lysosomal pH as a consequence. Ultimately, here we propose that such pH changes exert an inhibitory direct effect on SVCV replication by disrupting the pH-dependent membrane-fusogenic ability of the viral glycoprotein G, which allows the release of the virus from endosomes into cytoplasm during its entry phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bello-Perez
- Instituto de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación en Biotecnología Sanitaria de Elche (IDiBE), Miguel Hernández University (UMH), Elche, 03202, Spain
| | - Patricia Pereiro
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Vigo, 36208, Spain
| | - Julio Coll
- Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones y Tecnologías Agrarias y Alimentarias (INIA), Dpto. Biotecnología, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Beatriz Novoa
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Vigo, 36208, Spain
| | - Luis Perez
- Instituto de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación en Biotecnología Sanitaria de Elche (IDiBE), Miguel Hernández University (UMH), Elche, 03202, Spain.
| | - Alberto Falco
- Instituto de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación en Biotecnología Sanitaria de Elche (IDiBE), Miguel Hernández University (UMH), Elche, 03202, Spain.
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Bally I, Inforzato A, Dalonneau F, Stravalaci M, Bottazzi B, Gaboriaud C, Thielens NM. Interaction of C1q With Pentraxin 3 and IgM Revisited: Mutational Studies With Recombinant C1q Variants. Front Immunol 2019; 10:461. [PMID: 30923526 PMCID: PMC6426777 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Pentraxins and complement defense collagens are soluble recognition proteins that sense pathogens and altered-self elements, and trigger immune responses including complement activation. PTX3 has been shown to interact with the globular recognition domains (gC1q) of the C1q protein of the classical complement pathway, thereby modulating complement activity. The C1q-PTX3 interaction has been characterized previously by site-specific mutagenesis using individual gC1q domains of each of the three C1q chains. The present study is aimed at revisiting this knowledge taking advantage of full-length recombinant C1q. Four mutations targeting exposed amino acid residues in the gC1q domain of each of the C1q chains (LysA200Asp-LysA201Asp, ArgB108Asp-ArgB109Glu, TyrB175Leu, and LysC170Glu) were introduced in recombinant C1q and the interaction properties of the mutants were analyzed using surface plasmon resonance. All C1q mutants retained binding to C1r and C1s proteases and mannose-binding lectin-associated serine proteases, indicating that the mutations did not affect the function of the collagen-like regions of C1q. The effect of these mutations on the interaction of C1q with PTX3 and IgM, and both the PTX3- and IgM-mediated activation of the classical complement pathway were investigated. The LysA200Asp-LysA201Asp and LysC170Glu mutants retained partial interaction with PTX3 and IgM, however they triggered efficient complement activation. In contrast, the ArgB108Asp-ArgB109Glu mutation abolished C1q binding to PTX3 and IgM, and significantly decreased complement activation. The TyrB175Leu mutant exhibited decreased PTX3- and IgM-dependent complement activation. Therefore, we provided evidence that, in the context of the full length C1q protein, a key contribution to the interaction with both PTX3 and IgM is given by the B chain Arg residues that line the side of the gC1q heterotrimer, with a minor participation of a Lys residue located at the apex of gC1q. Furthermore, we generated recombinant forms of the human PTX3 protein bearing either D or A at position 48, a polymorphic site of clinical relevance in a number of infections, and observed that both allelic variants equally recognized C1q.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Bally
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, CNRS, IBS, Grenoble, France
| | - Antonio Inforzato
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Stravalaci
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
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Wong JYY, Bassig BA, Hu W, Seow WJ, Shiels MS, Ji BT, Downward GS, Huang Y, Yang K, Li J, He J, Chen Y, Hildesheim A, Vermeulen R, Lan Q, Rothman N. Household coal combustion, indoor air pollutants, and circulating immunologic/inflammatory markers in rural China. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2019; 82:411-421. [PMID: 31084278 PMCID: PMC6594692 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2019.1614500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The study aim was to investigate whether household bituminous ("smoky") coal use and personal exposure to combustion emissions were associated with immunologic/inflammatory marker levels. A cross-sectional study of healthy never-smoking women from rural Xuanwei and Fuyuan, China was conducted, which included 80 smoky coal and 14 anthracite ("smokeless") coal users. Personal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) was assessed using portable devices, while 67 circulating plasma immunologic/inflammatory markers were measured using multiplex bead-based assays. Multivariable linear regression models were employed to estimate associations between smoky coal versus smokeless coal use, indoor air pollutants, and immunologic/inflammatory markers. Six markers were altered among smoky coal users compared to smokeless coal, including significantly decreased interferon-inducible T-cell alpha chemoattractant (CXCL11/I-TAC), and increased serum amyloid P component (SAP). CXCL11/I-TAC was previously found to be reduced in workers exposed to high levels of diesel engine exhaust, which exhibits similar constituents as coal combustion emissions. Further, there was evidence that elevated PM2.5 and BaP exposure was associated with significantly diminished levels of the serum amyloid A (SAA); however, the false discovery rates (FDRs) were >0.2 after accounting for multiple comparisons. Inflammatory processes may thus mediate the carcinogenic effects attributed to smoky coal emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Y Y Wong
- a Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics , National Cancer Institute - National Institutes of Health , Rockville , MD , USA
| | - Bryan A Bassig
- a Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics , National Cancer Institute - National Institutes of Health , Rockville , MD , USA
| | - Wei Hu
- a Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics , National Cancer Institute - National Institutes of Health , Rockville , MD , USA
| | - Wei Jie Seow
- a Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics , National Cancer Institute - National Institutes of Health , Rockville , MD , USA
| | - Meredith S Shiels
- a Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics , National Cancer Institute - National Institutes of Health , Rockville , MD , USA
| | - Bu-Tian Ji
- a Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics , National Cancer Institute - National Institutes of Health , Rockville , MD , USA
| | - George S Downward
- b Division of Environmental Epidemiology , Utrecht University, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences , Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - Yunchao Huang
- c Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery , Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Tumor Hospital) , Kunming , China
| | - Kaiyun Yang
- c Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery , Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Tumor Hospital) , Kunming , China
| | - Jihua Li
- d Sanjiangdadao , Qujing Center for Diseases Control and Prevention , Qujing , Yunnan , China
| | - Jun He
- d Sanjiangdadao , Qujing Center for Diseases Control and Prevention , Qujing , Yunnan , China
| | - Ying Chen
- c Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery , Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Tumor Hospital) , Kunming , China
| | - Allan Hildesheim
- a Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics , National Cancer Institute - National Institutes of Health , Rockville , MD , USA
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- b Division of Environmental Epidemiology , Utrecht University, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences , Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - Qing Lan
- a Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics , National Cancer Institute - National Institutes of Health , Rockville , MD , USA
| | - Nathaniel Rothman
- a Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics , National Cancer Institute - National Institutes of Health , Rockville , MD , USA
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15
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16
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Singh SK, Thirumalai A, Pathak A, Ngwa DN, Agrawal A. Functional Transformation of C-reactive Protein by Hydrogen Peroxide. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:3129-3136. [PMID: 28096464 PMCID: PMC5336149 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.773176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) is present at sites of inflammation including amyloid plaques, atherosclerotic lesions, and arthritic joints. CRP, in its native pentameric structural conformation, binds to cells and molecules that have exposed phosphocholine (PCh) groups. CRP, in its non-native pentameric structural conformation, binds to a variety of deposited, denatured, and aggregated proteins, in addition to binding to PCh-containing substances. In this study, we investigated the effects of H2O2, a prototypical reactive oxygen species that is also present at sites of inflammation, on the ligand recognition function of CRP. Controlled H2O2 treatment of native CRP did not monomerize CRP and did not affect the PCh binding activity of CRP. In solid phase ELISA-based ligand binding assays, purified pentameric H2O2-treated CRP bound to a number of immobilized proteins including oxidized LDL, IgG, amyloid β peptide 1-42, C4b-binding protein, and factor H, in a CRP concentration- and ligand concentration-dependent manner. Using oxidized LDL as a representative protein ligand for H2O2-treated CRP, we found that the binding occurred in a Ca2+-independent manner and did not involve the PCh-binding site of CRP. We conclude that H2O2 is a biological modifier of the structure and ligand recognition function of CRP. Overall, the data suggest that the ligand recognition function of CRP is dependent on the presence of an inflammatory microenvironment. We hypothesize that one of the functions of CRP at sites of inflammation is to sense the inflammatory microenvironment, change its own structure in response but remain pentameric, and then bind to pathogenic proteins deposited at those sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay K Singh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee 37614
| | - Avinash Thirumalai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee 37614
| | - Asmita Pathak
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee 37614
| | - Donald N Ngwa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee 37614
| | - Alok Agrawal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee 37614.
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Poulsen ET, Pedersen KW, Marzeda AM, Enghild JJ. Serum Amyloid P Component (SAP) Interactome in Human Plasma Containing Physiological Calcium Levels. Biochemistry 2017; 56:896-902. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.6b01027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ebbe Toftgaard Poulsen
- Department of Molecular Biology
and Genetics and Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kata Wolff Pedersen
- Department of Molecular Biology
and Genetics and Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anna Maria Marzeda
- Department of Molecular Biology
and Genetics and Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jan J. Enghild
- Department of Molecular Biology
and Genetics and Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10, Aarhus, Denmark
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Chen R, Qi J, Yuan H, Wu Y, Hu W, Xia C. Crystal structures for short-chain pentraxin from zebrafish demonstrate a cyclic trimer with new recognition and effector faces. J Struct Biol 2015; 189:259-68. [PMID: 25592778 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2015.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Short-chain pentraxins (PTXs), including CRP and SAP, are innate pattern recognition receptors that play vital roles in the recognition and elimination of various pathogenic bacteria by triggering the classical complement pathway through C1q. Similar to antibodies, pentraxins can also activate opsonisation and phagocytosis by interacting with Fc receptors (FcRs). Various structural studies on human PTXs have been performed, but there are no reports about the crystal structure of bony fish pentraxins. Here, the crystal structures of zebrafish PTX (Dare-PTX-Ca and Dare-PTX) are presented. Both Dare-PTX-Ca and Dare-PTX are cyclic trimers, which are new forms of crystallised pentraxins. The structures reveal that the ligand-binding pocket (LBP) in the recognition face of Dare-PTX is deep and narrow. Homology modelling shows that LBPs from different Dare-PTX loci differ in shape, reflecting their specific recognition abilities. Furthermore, in comparison with the structure of hCPR, a new C1q binding mode was identified in Dare-PTX. In addition, the FcR-binding sites of hSAP are partially conserved in Dare-PTX. These results will shed light on the understanding of a primitive PTX in bony fish, which evolved approximately 450 million years ago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Haidian District, Beijing 100094, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianxun Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology Immunology (CASPMI), Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyu Yuan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Haidian District, Beijing 100094, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanan Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Haidian District, Beijing 100094, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun Xia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Haidian District, Beijing 100094, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Haidian District, Beijing 100094, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Armstrong PB. Comparative Biology of the Pentraxin Protein Family: Evolutionarily Conserved Component of Innate Immune System. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 316:1-47. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2015.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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20
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Chakraborty C, Agrawal A. Computational analysis of C-reactive protein for assessment of molecular dynamics and interaction properties. Cell Biochem Biophys 2013; 67:645-56. [PMID: 23494263 PMCID: PMC3874389 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-013-9553-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is used as a marker of inflammation in several diseases including autoimmune disease and cardiovascular disease. CRP, a member of the pentraxin family, is comprised of five identical subunits. CRP has diverse ligand-binding properties which depend upon different structural states of CRP. However, little is known about the molecular dynamics and interaction properties of CRP. In this study, we used SAPS, SCRATCH protein predictor, PDBsum, ConSurf, ProtScale, Drawhca, ASAView, SCide and SRide server and performed comprehensive analyses of molecular dynamics, protein-protein and residue-residue interactions of CRP. We used 1GNH.pdb file for the crystal structure of human CRP which generated two pentamers (ABCDE and FGHIJ). The number of residues involved in residue-residue interactions between A-B, B-C, C-D, D-E, F-G, G-H, H-I, I-J, A-E and F-J subunits were 12, 11, 10, 11, 12, 11, 10, 11, 10 and 10, respectively. Fifteen antiparallel β sheets were involved in β-sheet topology, and five β hairpins were involved in forming the secondary structure. Analysis of hydrophobic segment distribution revealed deviations in surface hydrophobicity at different cavities present in CRP. Approximately 33 % of all residues were involved in the stabilization centers. We show that the bioinformatics tools can provide a rapid method to predict molecular dynamics and interaction properties of CRP. Our prediction of molecular dynamics and interaction properties of CRP combined with the modeling data based on the known 3D structure of CRP is helpful in designing stable forms of CRP mutants for structure-function studies of CRP and may facilitate in silico drug design for therapeutic targeting of CRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiranjib Chakraborty
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Computer and Information Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, India,
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21
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Du Clos TW. Pentraxins: structure, function, and role in inflammation. ISRN INFLAMMATION 2013; 2013:379040. [PMID: 24167754 PMCID: PMC3791837 DOI: 10.1155/2013/379040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The pentraxins are an ancient family of proteins with a unique architecture found as far back in evolution as the Horseshoe crab. In humans the two members of this family are C-reactive protein and serum amyloid P. Pentraxins are defined by their sequence homology, their pentameric structure and their calcium-dependent binding to their ligands. Pentraxins function as soluble pattern recognition molecules and one of the earliest and most important roles for these proteins is host defense primarily against pathogenic bacteria. They function as opsonins for pathogens through activation of the complement pathway and through binding to Fc gamma receptors. Pentraxins also recognize membrane phospholipids and nuclear components exposed on or released by damaged cells. CRP has a specific interaction with small nuclear ribonucleoproteins whereas SAP is a major recognition molecule for DNA, two nuclear autoantigens. Studies in autoimmune and inflammatory disease models suggest that pentraxins interact with macrophage Fc receptors to regulate the inflammatory response. Because CRP is a strong acute phase reactant it is widely used as a marker of inflammation and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry W. Du Clos
- The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Research Service 151, 1501 San Pedro SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87108, USA
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22
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Andersson K, Pokrzywa M, Dacklin I, Lundgren E. Inhibition of TTR aggregation-induced cell death--a new role for serum amyloid P component. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55766. [PMID: 23390551 PMCID: PMC3563535 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2012] [Accepted: 01/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Serum amyloid P component (SAP) is a glycoprotein that is universally found associated with different types of amyloid deposits. It has been suggested that it stabilizes amyloid fibrils and therefore protects them from proteolytic degradation. Methodology/Principal Findings In this paper, we show that SAP binds not only to mature amyloid fibrils but also to early aggregates of amyloidogenic mutants of the plasma protein transthyretin (TTR). It does not inhibit fibril formation of TTR mutants, which spontaneously form amyloid in vitro at physiological pH. We found that SAP prevents cell death induced by mutant TTR, while several other molecules that are also known to decorate amyloid fibrils do not have such effect. Using a Drosophila model for TTR-associated amyloidosis, we found a new role for SAP as a protective factor in inhibition of TTR-induced toxicity. Overexpression of mutated TTR leads to a neurological phenotype with changes in wing posture. SAP-transgenic flies were crossed with mutated TTR-expressing flies and the results clearly confirmed a protective effect of SAP on TTR-induced phenotype, with an almost complete reduction in abnormal wing posture. Furthermore, we found in vivo that binding of SAP to mutated TTR counteracts the otherwise detrimental effects of aggregation of amyloidogenic TTR on retinal structure. Conclusions/Significance Together, these two approaches firmly establish the protective effect of SAP on TTR-induced cell death and degenerative phenotypes, and suggest a novel role for SAP through which the toxicity of early amyloidogenic aggregates is attenuated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Andersson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Malgorzata Pokrzywa
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- * E-mail: (EL); (MP)
| | - Ingrid Dacklin
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Erik Lundgren
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- * E-mail: (EL); (MP)
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Gang TB, Hammond DJ, Singh SK, Ferguson DA, Mishra VK, Agrawal A. The phosphocholine-binding pocket on C-reactive protein is necessary for initial protection of mice against pneumococcal infection. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:43116-25. [PMID: 23139417 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.427310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human C-reactive protein (CRP) protects mice from lethal Streptococcus pneumoniae infection when injected into mice within the range of 6 h before to 2 h after the administration of pneumococci. Because CRP binds to phosphocholine-containing substances and subsequently activates the complement system, it has been proposed that the antipneumococcal function of CRP requires the binding of CRP to phosphocholine moieties present in pneumococcal cell wall C-polysaccharide. To test this proposal experimentally, in this study, we utilized a new CRP mutant incapable of binding to phosphocholine. Based on the structure of CRP-phosphocholine complexes, which showed that Phe(66), Thr(76), and Glu(81) formed the phosphocholine-binding pocket, we constructed a CRP mutant F66A/T76Y/E81A in which the pocket was blocked by substituting Tyr for Thr(76). When compared with wild-type CRP, mutant CRP bound more avidly to phosphoethanolamine and could be purified by affinity chromatography using phosphoethanolamine-conjugated Sepharose. Mutant CRP did not bind to phosphocholine, C-polysaccharide, or pneumococci. Mutant CRP was free in the mouse serum, and its rate of clearance in vivo was not faster than that of wild-type CRP. When either 25 μg or 150 μg of CRP was administered into mice, unlike wild-type CRP, mutant CRP did not protect mice from lethal pneumococcal infection. Mice injected with mutant CRP had higher mortality rates than mice that received wild-type CRP. Decreased survival was due to the increased bacteremia in mice treated with mutant CRP. We conclude that the phosphocholine-binding pocket on CRP is necessary for CRP-mediated initial protection of mice against lethal pneumococcal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toh B Gang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee 37614, USA
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Harini K, Sowdhamini R. Molecular Modelling of Oligomeric States of DmOR83b, an Olfactory Receptor in D. Melanogaster. Bioinform Biol Insights 2012; 6:33-47. [PMID: 22493562 PMCID: PMC3320116 DOI: 10.4137/bbi.s8990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
After the discovery of the complete repertoire of D. melanogaster Olfactory Receptors (ORs), candidate ORs have been identified from at least 12 insect species from four orders (Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, and Hymenoptera), including species of economic or medical importance. Although all ORs share the same G-protein coupled receptor structure with seven transmembrane domains, they share poor sequence identity within and between species, and have been identified mainly through genomic data analyses. To date, D. melanogaster remains the only insect species where ORs have been extensively studied, from expression pattern establishment to functional investigations. These studies have confirmed several observations made in vertebrates: one OR type is selectively expressed in a subtype of olfactory receptor neurons, and one olfactory neuron expresses only one type of OR. The olfactory mechanism, further, appears to be conserved between insects and vertebrates. Understanding the function of insect ORs will greatly contribute to the understanding of insect chemical communication mechanisms, particularly with agricultural pests and disease vectors, and could result in future strategies to reduce their negative effects. In this study, we propose molecular models for insect olfactory receptor co-receptor OR83b and its possible functional oligomeric states. The functional similarity of OR83b to GPCRs and ion channels has been exploited for understanding the structure of OR83b. We could observe that C-terminal region (TM4-7) of OR83b is involved in homodimer amd heterodimer formation (with OR22a) which suggests why C-terminus of insect ORs are highly conserved across different species. We also propose two possible ion channel pathways in OR83b: one formed by TM4-5 region with intracellular pore-forming domain and the other formed by TM5-6 with extracellular pore forming domain using analysis of the electrostatics distribution of the pore forming domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Harini
- National Centre for Biological Sciences (TIFR), UAS-GKVK Campus, Bellary Road, Bangalore, India
| | - R. Sowdhamini
- National Centre for Biological Sciences (TIFR), UAS-GKVK Campus, Bellary Road, Bangalore, India
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25
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Li Y, Robins JH, Ye J, Huang Z, Wen Q, Zhang G. Adaptive diversity of innate immune receptor family short pentraxins in Murinae. FEBS Lett 2012; 586:798-803. [PMID: 22306119 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2012.01.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2011] [Revised: 01/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/23/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The short pentraxins C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid P component (SAP) constitute a group of innate immune receptors that trigger immune activation by detecting molecules of the microbial cell wall. Here, we examined the evolution of short pentraxins in Murinae lineages. By molecular evolutionary analysis, CRP and SAP have been experiencing rapid diversification, driven by adaptive selection. Further, our protein modeling demonstrates that adaptively selected amino acids lie in the ligand-binding region and contact region between subunits. Our findings suggest that rapid diversification of these regions could contribute to the determinants of recognizing specificity and the interaction between subunits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agriculture University, Yaan, Sichuan, PR China.
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26
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Singh SK, Thirumalai A, Hammond DJ, Pangburn MK, Mishra VK, Johnson DA, Rusiñol AE, Agrawal A. Exposing a hidden functional site of C-reactive protein by site-directed mutagenesis. J Biol Chem 2011; 287:3550-8. [PMID: 22158621 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.310011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a cyclic pentameric protein whose major binding specificity, at physiological pH, is for substances bearing exposed phosphocholine moieties. Another pentameric form of CRP, which exists at acidic pH, displays binding activity for oxidized LDL (ox-LDL). The ox-LDL-binding site in CRP, which is hidden at physiological pH, is exposed by acidic pH-induced structural changes in pentameric CRP. The aim of this study was to expose the hidden ox-LDL-binding site of CRP by site-directed mutagenesis and to generate a CRP mutant that can bind to ox-LDL without the requirement of acidic pH. Mutation of Glu(42), an amino acid that participates in intersubunit interactions in the CRP pentamer and is buried, to Gln resulted in a CRP mutant (E42Q) that showed significant binding activity for ox-LDL at physiological pH. For maximal binding to ox-LDL, E42Q CRP required a pH much less acidic than that required by wild-type CRP. At any given pH, E42Q CRP was more efficient than wild-type CRP in binding to ox-LDL. Like wild-type CRP, E42Q CRP remained pentameric at acidic pH. Also, E42Q CRP was more efficient than wild-type CRP in binding to several other deposited, conformationally altered proteins. The E42Q CRP mutant provides a tool to investigate the functions of CRP in defined animal models of inflammatory diseases including atherosclerosis because wild-type CRP requires acidic pH to bind to deposited, conformationally altered proteins, including ox-LDL, and available animal models may not have sufficient acidosis or other possible modifiers of the pentameric structure of CRP at the sites of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay K Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee 37614, USA
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27
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Kumar SV, Ravunny RK, Chakraborty C. Conserved Domains, Conserved Residues, and Surface Cavities of C-reactive Protein (CRP). Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2011; 165:497-505. [DOI: 10.1007/s12010-011-9270-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2011] [Accepted: 04/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Hammond DJ, Singh SK, Thompson JA, Beeler BW, Rusiñol AE, Pangburn MK, Potempa LA, Agrawal A. Identification of acidic pH-dependent ligands of pentameric C-reactive protein. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:36235-44. [PMID: 20843812 PMCID: PMC2975246 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.142026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2010] [Revised: 07/28/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a phylogenetically conserved protein; in humans, it is present in the plasma and at sites of inflammation. At physiological pH, native pentameric CRP exhibits calcium-dependent binding specificity for phosphocholine. In this study, we determined the binding specificities of CRP at acidic pH, a characteristic of inflammatory sites. We investigated the binding of fluid-phase CRP to six immobilized proteins: complement factor H, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, complement C3b, IgG, amyloid β, and BSA immobilized on microtiter plates. At pH 7.0, CRP did not bind to any of these proteins, but, at pH ranging from 5.2 to 4.6, CRP bound to all six proteins. Acidic pH did not monomerize CRP but modified the pentameric structure, as determined by gel filtration, 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid-binding fluorescence, and phosphocholine-binding assays. Some modifications in CRP were reversible at pH 7.0, for example, the phosphocholine-binding activity of CRP, which was reduced at acidic pH, was restored after pH neutralization. For efficient binding of acidic pH-treated CRP to immobilized proteins, it was necessary that the immobilized proteins, except factor H, were also exposed to acidic pH. Because immobilization of proteins on microtiter plates and exposure of immobilized proteins to acidic pH alter the conformation of immobilized proteins, our findings suggest that conformationally altered proteins form a CRP-ligand in acidic environment, regardless of the identity of the protein. This ligand binding specificity of CRP in its acidic pH-induced pentameric state has implications for toxic conditions involving protein misfolding in acidic environments and favors the conservation of CRP throughout evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Antonio E. Rusiñol
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee 37614
| | - Michael K. Pangburn
- the Department of Biochemistry, Center for Biomedical Research, University of Texas Health Science Center, Tyler, Texas 75708, and
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Cruciani L, Romero R, Vaisbuch E, Kusanovic JP, Chaiworapongsa T, Mazaki-Tovi S, Dong Z, Kim SK, Ogge G, Yeo L, Mittal P, Hassan SS. Pentraxin 3 in maternal circulation: an association with preterm labor and preterm PROM, but not with intra-amniotic infection/inflammation. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2010; 23:1097-105. [PMID: 20121391 PMCID: PMC3471143 DOI: 10.3109/14767050903551509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is an acute-phase protein that has an important role in the regulation of the innate immune response. The aim of this study was to determine if maternal plasma PTX3 concentration changes in the presence of intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation (IAI) in women with preterm labor (PTL) and intact membranes, as well as those with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (preterm PROM). STUDY DESIGN This cross-sectional study included women in the following groups: (1) nonpregnant (n=40); (2) uncomplicated pregnancies in the first (n=22), second (n=22) or third trimester (n=71, including 50 women at term not in labor); (3) uncomplicated pregnancies at term with spontaneous labor (n=49); (4) PTL and intact membranes who delivered at term (n=49); (5) PTL without IAI who delivered preterm (n=26); (6) PTL with IAI (n=65); (7) preterm PROM without IAI (n=25); and (8) preterm PROM with IAI (n=77). Maternal plasma PTX3 concentrations were determined by ELISA. RESULTS (1) Maternal plasma PTX3 concentrations increased with advancing gestational age (r=0.62, p<0.001); (2) women at term with spontaneous labor had a higher median plasma PTX3 concentration than those at term not in labor (8.29 ng/ml vs. 5.98 ng/ml, p=0.013); (3) patients with an episode of PTL, regardless of the presence or absence of IAI and whether these patients delivered preterm or at term had a higher median plasma PTX3 concentration than normal pregnant women (p<0.001 for all comparisons); (4) similarly, patients with preterm PROM, with or without IAI had a higher median plasma PTX3 concentration than normal pregnant women (p<0.001 for both comparisons); and (5) among patients with PTL and those with preterm PROM, IAI was not associated with significant changes in the median maternal plasma PTX3 concentrations. CONCLUSIONS The maternal plasma PTX3 concentration increases with advancing gestational age and is significantly elevated during labor at term and in the presence of spontaneous preterm labor or preterm PROM. These findings could not be explained by the presence of IAI, suggesting that the increased PTX3 concentration is part of the physiologic or pathologic activation of the pro-inflammatory response in the maternal circulation during the process of labor at term or preterm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cruciani
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Edi Vaisbuch
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Juan Pedro Kusanovic
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Shali Mazaki-Tovi
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Zhong Dong
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Sun Kwon Kim
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Giovanna Ogge
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Lami Yeo
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Pooja Mittal
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Sonia S. Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Kuehn A, Simon N, Pradel G. Family members stick together: multi-protein complexes of malaria parasites. Med Microbiol Immunol 2010; 199:209-26. [PMID: 20419315 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-010-0157-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Malaria parasites express a broad repertoire of proteins whose expression is tightly regulated depending on the life-cycle stage of the parasite and the environment of target organs in the respective host. Transmission of malaria parasites from the human to the anopheline mosquito is mediated by intraerythrocytic sexual stages, termed gametocytes, which circulate in the peripheral blood and are essential for the spread of the tropical disease. In Plasmodium falciparum, gametocytes express numerous extracellular proteins with adhesive motifs, which might mediate important interactions during transmission. Among these is a family of six secreted proteins with adhesive modules, termed PfCCp proteins, which are highly conserved throughout the apicomplexan clade. In P. falciparum, the proteins are expressed in the parasitophorous vacuole of gametocytes and are subsequently exposed on the surface of macrogametes during parasite reproduction in the mosquito midgut. One characteristic of the family is a co-dependent expression, such that loss of all six proteins occurs if expression of one member is disrupted via gene knockout. The six PfCCp proteins interact by adhesion domain-mediated binding and thus form complexes on the sexual stage surface having adhesive properties. To date, the PfCCp proteins represent the only protein family of the malaria parasite sexual stages that assembles to multimeric complexes, and only a small number of such protein complexes have so far been identified in other life-cycle stages of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Kuehn
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 2, Building D15, Würzburg, Germany
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Cruciani L, Romero R, Vaisbuch E, Kusanovic JP, Chaiworapongsa T, Mazaki-Tovi S, Mittal P, Ogge G, Gotsch F, Erez O, Kim SK, Dong Z, Pacora P, Lamont RF, Yeo L, Hassan SS, Di Renzo GC. Pentraxin 3 in amniotic fluid: a novel association with intra-amniotic infection and inflammation. J Perinat Med 2010; 38:161-71. [PMID: 19792835 PMCID: PMC2963028 DOI: 10.1515/jpm.2009.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a soluble pattern recognition receptor (PRR) that has an important role in immunoregulation and vascular integrity. The aim of this study was to determine if PTX3 is present in amniotic fluid (AF) and whether its concentration changes with gestational age (GA), in the presence of preterm or term labor, and in cases of intra-amniotic infection/inflammation (IAI) associated with spontaneous preterm labor (PTL) or preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM). STUDY DESIGN This cross-sectional study included the following groups: 1) mid-trimester (n=45); 2) uncomplicated pregnancies at term with (n=48) and without (n=40) spontaneous labor; 3) women with PTL and intact membranes who: a) delivered at term (n=44); b) delivered preterm without IAI (n=40); or c) delivered preterm with IAI (n=62); 4) women with preterm PROM with (n=63) and without (n=36) IAI. PTX3 concentration in AF was determined by ELISA. Non-parametric statistics were used for analyses. RESULTS 1) Among women with PTL and intact membranes, the median AF PTX3 concentration was significantly higher in women with IAI than in those without IAI (7.95 ng/mL vs. 0.38 ng/mL; P<0.001) and than in those who delivered at term (0.55 ng/mL; P<0.001); 2) women with preterm PROM and IAI had a higher median AF PTX3 concentration than those without IAI (9.12 ng/mL vs. 0.76 ng/mL; P<0.001); 3) the median AF PTX3 concentration did not change with GA (mid-trimester: 0.79 ng/mL vs. term not in labor: 0.58 ng/mL; P=0.09); and 4) labor at term was not associated with a significant change of AF PTX 3 concentration (in labor: 0.54 ng/mL vs. not in labor: 0.58 ng/mL, P=0.9). CONCLUSIONS PTX3 is a physiologic constituent of the AF, and its median concentration is elevated in the presence of IAI, suggesting that PTX3 may play a role in the innate immune response against IAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cruciani
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit, Michigan, USA,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Edi Vaisbuch
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Juan Pedro Kusanovic
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Shali Mazaki-Tovi
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Pooja Mittal
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Giovanna Ogge
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Francesca Gotsch
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Offer Erez
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Sun Kwon Kim
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Zhong Dong
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Percy Pacora
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Ronald F. Lamont
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Lami Yeo
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Sonia S. Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan, USA,Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Gian Carlo Di Renzo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Perugia, Italy
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Burgess A, Mornon JP, de Saint-Basile G, Callebaut I. A concanavalin A-like lectin domain in the CHS1/LYST protein, shared by members of the BEACH family. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 25:1219-22. [PMID: 19289442 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btp151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
CHS1/LYST, the causative protein of the Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS), belongs to the BEACH (named after BEige And Chediak-Higashi) family, which includes various large proteins sharing the same C-terminal domain architecture [a PH (Pleckstrin homology)-BEACH domain followed by WD repeats). Members of the BEACH family are generally defined as vesicle-trafficking regulatory proteins, but their functions remain to be determined at the molecular level. Here, using a panel of sensitive methods of sequence analysis, we show that the N-terminal regions of BEACH proteins contain an as yet not described domain, which shares striking similarities with clostridial neurotoxins and defines a novel family within the concanavalin A (ConA)-like lectin superfamily. These results suggest that the BEACH ConA-like lectin domain could be involved in oligosaccharide binding associated with protein traffic and sorting along the secretory pathway, especially in relation with components of the vesicle fusion machinery.
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Deban L, Bottazzi B, Garlanda C, de la Torre YM, Mantovani A. Pentraxins: multifunctional proteins at the interface of innate immunity and inflammation. Biofactors 2009; 35:138-45. [PMID: 19449441 DOI: 10.1002/biof.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Pentraxins are a family of multimeric pattern recognition proteins highly conserved in evolution. On the basis of the primary structure of the protomer, pentraxins are divided into two groups: short pentraxins and long pentraxins. C reactive protein, the first pattern recognition receptor identified, and serum amyloid P component are classic short pentraxins produced in the liver in response to IL-6. Long pentraxins, including the prototype PTX3, are expressed in a variety of tissues. PTX3 is produced by a variety of cells and tissues, most notably dendritic cells and macrophages, in response to Toll-like receptor (TLR) engagement and inflammatory cytokines. Through interaction with several ligands, including selected pathogens and apoptotic cells, pentraxins play a role in complement activation, pathogen recognition and apoptotic cell clearance. In addition, PTX3 is involved in the deposition of extracellular matrix and female fertility. Unlike the classic short pentraxins CRP and SAP, PTX3 primary sequence and regulation are highly conserved in man and mouse. Thus, gene targeting identified PTX3 (and presumably other members of the family) as multifunctional soluble pattern recognition receptors acting as a nonredundant component of the humoral arm of innate immunity and involved in tuning inflammation, matrix deposition, and female fertility. (c) 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livija Deban
- Laboratory for Immunology and Inflammation, Istituto Clinico Humanitas IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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Ortega-Hernandez OD, Bassi N, Shoenfeld Y, Anaya JM. The long pentraxin 3 and its role in autoimmunity. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2008; 39:38-54. [PMID: 18614204 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2008.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2007] [Revised: 01/17/2008] [Accepted: 03/04/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To review the physiological and physiopathological roles of pentraxin 3 (PTX3), focusing on autoimmunity and vascular pathology. METHODS A systematic literature review using the keywords "pentraxin 3," "innate immunity," "apoptosis," "autoimmunity," and "endothelial dysfunction" from 1990 to 2007 was performed. All relevant articles and pertinent secondary references in English were reviewed. RESULTS PTX3 has a large number of multiple functions in different contexts. PTX3 plays an important role in innate immunity, inflammation, vascular integrity, fertility, pregnancy, and also in the central nervous system. In innate immunity, its normal function is to increase the immune response to selected pathogens while also exerting control over potential autoimmune reactions. It maintains a tightly homeostatic equilibrium in the local immune microenvironment by avoiding an exaggerated immune response and controlling peripheral tolerance to self-antigens. In contrast, in some autoimmune diseases, PTX3 appears to be involved in the development of autoimmune phenomena. A possible explanation for these apparent paradoxical functions may be related to the highly polymorphic PTX3 gene. CONCLUSION PTX3 is physiologically a protective molecule. However, in several autoimmune diseases PTX3 appears to facilitate the development of autoimmunity. The PTX3 gene could influence the development of autoimmune reactions and vascular involvement in human pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar-Danilo Ortega-Hernandez
- Cellular Biology and Immunogenetics Unit (CBIGU), Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Cra. 72A-78B-141, Medellín, Colombia
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Tranguch S, Chakrabarty A, Guo Y, Wang H, Dey SK. Maternal Pentraxin 3 Deficiency Compromises Implantation in Mice1. Biol Reprod 2007; 77:425-32. [PMID: 17538075 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.062414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduced litter sizes in mice missing pentraxin 3 (Ptx3) have been attributed to fertilization failure. However, our global gene expression studies showed high uterine Ptx3 expression at the implantation site in mice, suggesting its role in blastocyst implantation. We initiated molecular and genetic studies in mice to explore the importance of uterine Ptx3 in this process. We found that Ptx3 is expressed in a unique and transient fashion at implantation sites. With the initiation of implantation on midnight of Day 4 of pregnancy, Ptx3 is expressed exclusively in stromal cells at the site of blastocysts. On Day 5, its expression is more intense in decidualizing stromal cells, but it disappears on Day 6. The expression again becomes evident in the deciduum on Day 7, followed by a more robust expression on Day 8, particularly at the antimesometrial pole. From Day 9, with the initiation of placentation, Ptx3 expression becomes undetectable. These results suggest a role for PTX3 in implantation and decidualization. Indeed, deletion of Ptx3 results in both compromised implantation and decidualization. Interleukin 1B (IL1B), a known inducer of Ptx3, is also transiently expressed in stromal cells at the implantation site, suggesting that IL1B is an inducer of uterine Ptx3 expression. In fact, uterine Ptx3 expression follows that of Il1b induced by lipopolysaccharide treatment on Day 7 of pregnancy. Collectively, these findings provide evidence for an important role for PTX3 in implantation and decidualization. This study has clinical implications, since PTX3 is expressed in the receptive endometrium, and trophoblast cells influence decidual Ptx3 expression in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Tranguch
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
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Furrer J, Luy B, Basrur V, Roberts DD, Barchi JJ. Conformational analysis of an alpha3beta1 integrin-binding peptide from thrombospondin-1: implications for antiangiogenic drug design. J Med Chem 2006; 49:6324-33. [PMID: 17034138 DOI: 10.1021/jm060833l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The integrin alpha3beta1 plays important roles in development, angiogenesis, and the pathogenesis of cancer, suggesting potential therapeutic uses for antagonists of this receptor. Recently, an alpha3beta1 integrin-binding site was mapped to residues 190-201 (FQGVLQNVRFVF) of the N-terminal domain of the secreted protein thrombospondin-1 (TSP1). This sequence displays diverse biological activities in vitro and inhibits angiogenesis in vivo. Herein we describe the NMR solution conformation of this segment in both water and dodecylphosphocholine micelles. While essentially unstructured in water, a more well-defined conformation is populated in micelles, particularly in the C-terminal half of the peptide and correlated with increased biological activity of the micellar peptide. The data suggested that the residues that are critical for biological activity are contained in a structurally well-defined segment of the peptide. These data support the role of the NVR motif as a required element of full-length TSP1 for specific molecular recognition by the alpha3beta1 integrin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Furrer
- Institut für Organische Chemie and Biochemie II, Technische Universität Muenchen, Garching, Germany
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Shrive AK, Metcalfe AM, Cartwright JR, Greenhough TJ. C-reactive protein and SAP-like pentraxin are both present in Limulus polyphemus haemolymph: crystal structure of Limulus SAP. J Mol Biol 1999; 290:997-1008. [PMID: 10438598 DOI: 10.1006/jmbi.1999.2956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
C-reactive protein and serum amyloid P component are members of the pentraxin family of oligomeric serum proteins which has been conserved through evolution. In humans both have pentameric structures and both play complex roles in the immune response, C-reactive protein being the classical acute-phase reactant produced in response to tissue damage and inflammation. An invertebrate SAP-like pentraxin has not previously been identified and it has been postulated that C-reactive protein and serum amyloid P component are products of a gene duplication event within vertebrate evolution. We have isolated serum amyloid P component from the haemolymph of the phylogenetically ancient "living fossil", the horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus and determined the three-dimensional structure by X-ray crystallography. The structure of the previously undiscovered Limulus serum amyloid P component, the first invertebrate lectin structure to be determined, reveals the pentraxin fold and a novel doubly stacked octameric ring. The crystal structure and the discovery that both prototypic pentraxins are present in Limulus raises the possibility that both were present in the common ancestors of arthropods and chordates over 500 million years ago. The impact of the results on our understanding of the origins and evolution of pentraxins and innate immunity is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Shrive
- Structural Biology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
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Szalai AJ, Agrawal A, Greenhough TJ, Volanakis JE. C-reactive protein: structural biology and host defense function. Clin Chem Lab Med 1999; 37:265-70. [PMID: 10353470 DOI: 10.1515/cclm.1999.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Human C-reactive protein is a Ca2+-binding acute phase-protein with binding specificity for phosphocholine. Recent crystallographic and mutagenesis studies have provided a solid understanding of the structural biology of the protein, while experiments using transgenic mice have confirmed its host-defense function. The protein consists of five identical protomers in cyclic symmetry. On one face of each protomer there is a binding site for phosphocholine consisting of two Ca2+ ions that ligate the phosphate group and a hydrophobic pocket that accommodates the methyl groups of phosphocholine. On the opposite face is a deep cleft formed by parts of the N and C termini and bordered by an alpha-helix. Mutational studies indicate that the C1q-binding site of the molecule is located at the open end of this cleft with Asp112 and Tyr175 representing contact residues. Using human C-reactive protein transgenic mice, we investigated the host defense functions of the protein. Transgenic mice infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae had increased lifespan and lowered mortality compared to wild-type mice. This was attributable to an up to 400-fold reduction in bacteremia mediated mainly by the interaction of C-reactive protein with complement. A complement-independent host protective effect was also demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Szalai
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294-0006, USA.
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Thompson D, Pepys MB, Wood SP. The physiological structure of human C-reactive protein and its complex with phosphocholine. Structure 1999; 7:169-77. [PMID: 10368284 DOI: 10.1016/s0969-2126(99)80023-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 503] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human C-reactive protein (CRP) is the classical acute phase reactant, the circulating concentration of which rises rapidly and extensively in a cytokine-mediated response to tissue injury, infection and inflammation. Serum CRP values are routinely measured, empirically, to detect and monitor many human diseases. However, CRP is likely to have important host defence, scavenging and metabolic functions through its capacity for calcium-dependent binding to exogenous and autologous molecules containing phosphocholine (PC) and then activating the classical complement pathway. CRP may also have pathogenic effects and the recent discovery of a prognostic association between increased CRP production and coronary atherothrombotic events is of particular interest. RESULTS The X-ray structures of fully calcified C-reactive protein, in the presence and absence of bound PC, reveal that although the subunit beta-sheet jellyroll fold is very similar to that of the homologous pentameric protein serum amyloid P component, each subunit is tipped towards the fivefold axis. PC is bound in a shallow surface pocket on each subunit, interacting with the two protein-bound calcium ions via the phosphate group and with Glu81 via the choline moiety. There is also an unexpected hydrophobic pocket adjacent to the ligand. CONCLUSIONS The structure shows how large ligands containing PC may be bound by CRP via a phosphate oxygen that projects away from the surface of the protein. Multipoint attachment of one planar face of the CRP molecule to a PC-bearing surface would leave available, on the opposite exposed face, the recognition sites for C1q, which have been identified by mutagenesis. This would enable CRP to target physiologically and/or pathologically significant complement activation. The hydrophobic pocket adjacent to bound PC invites the design of inhibitors of CRP binding that may have therapeutic relevance to the possible role of CRP in atherothrombotic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Thompson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 7PX UK
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42
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Kresl JJ, Potempa LA, Anderson BE. Conversion of native oligomeric to a modified monomeric form of human C-reactive protein. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 1998; 30:1415-26. [PMID: 9924810 DOI: 10.1016/s1357-2725(98)00078-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a pentameric oligoprotein composed of identical 23 kD subunits which can be modified by urea-chelation treatment to a form resembling the free subunit termed modified CRP (mCRP). mCRP has distinct physicochemical, antigenic, and biologic activities compared to CRP. The conditions under which CRP is converted to mCRP, and the molecular forms in the transition, are important to better understand the distinct properties of mCRP and to determine if the subunit form can convert back to the pentameric native CRP form. This study characterized the antigenic and conformational changes associated with the interconversion of CRP and mCRP. The rate of dissociation of CRP protomers into individual subunits by treatment in 8 M urea-10 mM EDTA solution was rapid and complete in 2 min as assayed by an enzyme-linked immunofiltration assay using monoclonal antibodies specific to the mCRP. Attempts to reconstitute pentameric CRP from mCRP under renaturation conditions were unsuccessful, resulting in a protein retaining exclusively mCRP characteristics. Using two-dimensional urea gradient gel electrophoresis, partial rapid unfolding of the pentamer occurred above 3 M urea, a subunit dissociation at 6 M urea, and further subunit unfolding at 6-8 M urea concentrations. The urea gradient electrophoresis results suggest that there are only two predominant conformational states occurring at each urea transition concentration. Using the same urea gradient electrophoresis conditions mCRP migrated as a single molecular form at all urea concentrations showing no evidence for reassociation to pentameric CRP or other aggregate form. The results of this study show a molecular conversion for an oligomeric protein (CRP) to monomeric subunits (mCRP) having rapid forward transition kinetics in 8 M urea plus chelator with negligible reversibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Kresl
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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43
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Lis H, Sharon N. Lectins: Carbohydrate-Specific Proteins That Mediate Cellular Recognition. Chem Rev 1998; 98:637-674. [PMID: 11848911 DOI: 10.1021/cr940413g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1289] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Halina Lis
- Department of Membrane Research and Biophysics, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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44
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Beckmann G, Hanke J, Bork P, Reich JG. Merging extracellular domains: fold prediction for laminin G-like and amino-terminal thrombospondin-like modules based on homology to pentraxins. J Mol Biol 1998; 275:725-30. [PMID: 9480764 DOI: 10.1006/jmbi.1997.1510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Using a new method for construction and database searches of sequence consensus strings, we have identified a new superfamily of protein modules comprising laminin G, thrombospondin N and the pentraxin families. The conserved patterns correspond mainly to hydrophobic core residues located in central beta strands of the known three-dimensional structures of two pentraxins, the human C-reactive protein and the serum amyloid P-component. Thus, we predict a similar jellyroll fold for all members of this superfamily. In addition, the conservation of two exposed aspartate residues in the majority of superfamily members suggests hitherto unrecognised functional sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Beckmann
- Max-Delbrück-Centre for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössl3-Str.10, Berlin-Buch, 13122, Germany
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45
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Bottazzi B, Vouret-Craviari V, Bastone A, De Gioia L, Matteucci C, Peri G, Spreafico F, Pausa M, D'Ettorre C, Gianazza E, Tagliabue A, Salmona M, Tedesco F, Introna M, Mantovani A. Multimer formation and ligand recognition by the long pentraxin PTX3. Similarities and differences with the short pentraxins C-reactive protein and serum amyloid P component. J Biol Chem 1997; 272:32817-23. [PMID: 9407058 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.272.52.32817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 297] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PTX3 is a prototypic long pentraxin consisting of a C-terminal 203-amino acid pentraxin-like domain coupled with an N-terminal 178-amino acid unrelated portion. The present study was designed to characterize the structure and ligand binding properties of human PTX3, in comparison with the classical pentraxins C-reactive protein and serum amyloid P component. Sequencing of Chinese hamster ovary cell-expressed PTX3 revealed that the mature secreted protein starts at residue 18 (Glu). Lectin binding and treatment with N-glycosidase F showed that PTX3 is N-glycosylated, sugars accounting for 5 kDa of the monomer mass (45 kDa). Circular dichroism analysis indicated that the protein consists predominantly of beta-sheets with a minor alpha-helical component. While in gel filtration the protein is eluted with a molecular mass of congruent with900 kDa, gel electrophoresis using nondenaturing, nonreducing conditions revealed that PTX3 forms multimers predominantly of 440 kDa apparent molecular mass, corresponding to decamers, and that disulfide bonds are required for multimer formation. The ligand binding properties of PTX3 were then examined. As predicted based on modeling, inductive coupled plasma/atomic emission spectroscopy showed that PTX3 does not have coordinated Ca2+. Unlike the classical pentraxins CRP and SAP, PTX3 did not bind phosphoethanolamine, phosphocholine, or high pyruvate agarose. PTX3 in solution, bound to immobilized C1q, but not C1s, and, reciprocally, C1q bound to immobilized PTX3. Binding of PTX3 to C1q is specific and saturable with a Kd 7.4 x 10(-8) M as determined by solid phase binding assay. The Chinese hamster ovary cell-expressed pentraxin domain bound C1q when multimerized. Thus, as predicted on the basis of computer modeling, the prototypic long pentraxin PTX3 forms multimers, which differ from those formed by classical pentraxins in terms of protomer composition and requirement for disulfide bonds, and does not recognize CRP/SAP ligands. The capacity to bind C1q, mediated by the pentraxin domain, is consistent with the view that PTX3, produced in tissues by endothelial cells or macrophages in response to interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor, may act as a local regulator of innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Bottazzi
- From the Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," Via Eritrea 62, 20157 Milano, Italy
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46
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Ashton AW, Boehm MK, Gallimore JR, Pepys MB, Perkins SJ. Pentameric and decameric structures in solution of serum amyloid P component by X-ray and neutron scattering and molecular modelling analyses. J Mol Biol 1997; 272:408-22. [PMID: 9325100 DOI: 10.1006/jmbi.1997.1271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Human serum amyloid P component (SAP) is a normal plasma glycoprotein and the precursor of amyloid P component which is a universal constituent of the abnormal tissue deposits in amyloidosis. X-ray and neutron scattering data showed that pentameric or decameric ring structures for SAP in solution are readily distinguished. Further neutron data collection showed that SAP pentamers were reproducibly obtained in the presence of Ca2+ at pH 5.5 or in the presence of methyl 4,6-O-(1-carboxyethylidene)-beta-d-galactopyranoside (MObetaDG) and Ca2+ at pH 6.0 to 8.0, while SAP decamers were obtained in the presence of EDTA between pH 5.5 and 8.0. SAP pentamers have a mean X-ray RG of 3.99(+/-0.11) nm and a mean neutron RG of 3.69(+/-0.12) nm in 100% 2H2O. SAP decamers have a mean X-ray RG of 4.23(+/-0.12) nm and a mean neutron RG of 4.09(+/-0.14) nm in 100% 2H2O. The absorption coefficients of SAP pentamers and decamers differ by 10%. If we infer that the two alpha-helical A-faces are in contact with each other in the SAP decamer, the lack of structural change of the decamer with pH may be explained by the absence of His residues from the A-face of the SAP pentamer, and the change in absorption coefficients is compatible with the presence of Trp residues at this A-face. The rigid ring structure of pentameric SAP provided a test of scattering curves calculated from crystal structures. The only structural unknown is the orientation of the five chemically homogeneous oligosaccharide chains relative to the protein, but extended oligosaccharide structures were found to account for its scattering curve. X-ray scattering curves were best calculated using a hydrated structure, while neutron scattering curves were best calculated using an unhydrated structure. The outcome of these analyses was used to model the structure of decameric SAP. The evaluation of 640 structures for two SAP pentamers brought face-to-face to form SAP decamers gave better curve fits for structures in which the two A-faces were in contact with each other, in which it is likely that the two pentamers were out of alignment by a rotation of 36 degrees and the oligosaccharide chains were extended.
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Affiliation(s)
- A W Ashton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, U.K
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47
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Xia D, Samols D. Transgenic mice expressing rabbit C-reactive protein are resistant to endotoxemia. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1997; 94:2575-80. [PMID: 9122237 PMCID: PMC20130 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.94.6.2575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP), the prototypic acute-phase reactant in humans, is synthesized in liver in response to a wide variety of inflammatory stimuli. We have generated a line of transgenic mice that express rabbit CRP from the rat phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) promoter in response to gluconeogenic signals. Here we show that transgenic mice expressing high levels of CRP were partially protected from a lethal challenge of bacterial lipopolysaccharide compared with littermates in which CRP expression had been suppressed. Similar protection was observed with challenges from platelet-activating factor (PAF) and the combination of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) plus interleukin 1beta, but not with TNF-alpha alone. We further demonstrate that although PAF was able to bind CRP, the mechanism by which CRP provides protection probably does not involve sequestration of PAF. The biologically inactive precursor of PAF, lyso-PAF, also bound CRP but did not render the transgenic mice sensitive to PAF when CRP-expressing animals were simultaneously challenged with PAF and an excess of lyso-PAF. These results suggest that CRP functions in vivo by modulating host defense systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Xia
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106-4935, USA
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48
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Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP), the prototypical inflammatory acute phase reactant in humans, interacts with monocytes and neutrophils via a specific receptor. To map the site on CRP recognized by the CRP receptor (CRP-R), synthetic peptides corresponding to the surface region on each of the five identical subunits were tested as competitors vs. [125I]-CRP for cell binding. A peptide of residues 27-38 (TKPLKAFTVCLH) efficiently inhibited CRP binding when compared to other nonoverlapping peptides. This peptide was termed the cell-binding peptide (CB-Pep). The F(ab')2 of an IgG Ab to the CB-Pep specifically inhibited CRP binding upon reacting with the ligand. Competitive binding studies with synthetic peptides truncated from either the NH2- or COOH-terminus of the CB-Pep revealed that the minimum length recognized by the CRP-R consisted of residues 31-36: KAFTVC. Conservative substitutions of residues within the CB-Pep indicated that the four residues AFTV were critical for CRP-R binding. The CB-Pep also inhibited induced superoxide generation by HL-60 granulocytes. The minimum length required for the inhibition was also KAFTVC; however, only Phe-33 and Leu-37 were critical residues in this assay. Anti-CB-Pep IgG Ab reacted more extensively with heat-modified CRP, suggesting that an altered conformation of CRP is preferentially recognized by the CRP-R. The results suggest that this contiguous sequence on a beta-strand on one face of each of five subunits of the CRP pentamer serves as a unique recognition motif for inflammatory leukocytes.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Antibodies/pharmacology
- Binding, Competitive
- C-Reactive Protein/immunology
- C-Reactive Protein/metabolism
- C-Reactive Protein/pharmacology
- Epitope Mapping
- HL-60 Cells/drug effects
- HL-60 Cells/metabolism
- Humans
- Leukemia, Monocytic, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Monocytic, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Monocytic, Acute/pathology
- Leukocytes/metabolism
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Peptide Fragments/chemical synthesis
- Peptide Fragments/immunology
- Peptide Fragments/pharmacology
- Receptors, Immunologic/immunology
- Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism
- Superoxides/metabolism
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Zen
- Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA
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49
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Szalai AJ, Agrawal A, Greenhough TJ, Volanakis JE. C-reactive protein: structural biology, gene expression, and host defense function. Immunol Res 1997; 16:127-36. [PMID: 9212359 DOI: 10.1007/bf02786357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few years substantial insight was gained into the biology and biochemistry of human C-reactive protein (CRP). X-ray crystallography in conjunction with mutational analyses, generated the three-dimensional structure of the protein and indicated the topology and structure of ligand-binding sites. Using human CRP transgenic mice infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae, we obtained data that clearly established CRP as an important host defense molecule. Studies using the same mice revealed a previously unknown testosterone-dependence of constitutive expression of human CRP. In this article we provide a brief overview of these recent findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Szalai
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham 35294, USA
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50
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Blundell TL, Srinivasan N. Symmetry, stability, and dynamics of multidomain and multicomponent protein systems. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1996; 93:14243-8. [PMID: 8962033 PMCID: PMC34468 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.93.25.14243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Symmetry is commonly observed in many biological systems. Here we discuss representative examples of the role of symmetry in structural molecular biology. Point group symmetries are observed in many protein oligomers whose three-dimensional atomic structures have been elucidated by x-ray crystallography. Approximate symmetry also occurs in multidomain proteins. Symmetry often confers stability on the molecular system and results in economical usage of basic components to build the macromolecular structure. Symmetry is also associated with cooperativity. Mild perturbation from perfect symmetry may be essential in some systems for dynamic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- T L Blundell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
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