Binding of CAP70 to inducible nitric oxide synthase and implications for the vectorial release of nitric oxide in polarized cells

Subcellular Targeting of Nitric Oxide Synthases Mediated by Their N-Terminal Motifs

From a catalytic point of view, the three mammalian nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) function in an almost identical way. The N-terminal oxygenase domain catalyzes the conversion of l-arginine to l-citrulline plus ·NO in two sequential oxidation steps. Once l-arginine binds to the active site positioned above the heme moiety, two consecutive monooxygenation reactions take place. In the first step, l-arginine is hydroxylated to make Nω-hydroxy-l-arginine in a process that requires 1 molecule of NADPH and 1 molecule of O₂ per mol of l-arginine reacted. In the second step, Nω-hydroxy-l-arginine, never leaving the active site, is oxidized to ·NO plus l-citrulline and 1 molecule of O₂ and 0.5 molecules of NADPH are consumed. Since nitric oxide is an important signaling molecule that participates in a number of biological processes, including neurotransmission, vasodilation, and immune response, synthesis and release of ·NO in vivo must be exquisitely regulated both in time and in space. Hence, NOSs have evolved introducing in their amino acid sequences subcellular targeting motifs, most of them located at their N-termini. Deletion studies performed on recombinant, purified NOSs have revealed that part of the N-terminus of all three NOS can be eliminated with the resulting mutant enzymes still being catalytically active. Likewise, NOS isoforms lacking part of their N-terminus when transfected in cells render mislocalized, active proteins. In this review we will comment on the current knowledge of these subcellular targeting signals present in nNOS, iNOS, and eNOS.

Molecular Basis for the Protein Recognition Specificity of the Dynein Light Chain DYNLT1/Tctex1: CHARACTERIZATION OF THE INTERACTION WITH ACTIVIN RECEPTOR IIB

It has been suggested that DYNLT1, a dynein light chain known to bind to various cellular and viral proteins, can function both as a molecular clamp and as a microtubule-cargo adapter. Recent data have shown that the DYNLT1 homodimer binds to two dynein intermediate chains to subsequently link cargo proteins such as the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Lfc or the small GTPases RagA and Rab3D. Although over 20 DYNLT1-interacting proteins have been reported, the exact sequence requirements that enable their association to the canonical binding groove or to the secondary site within the DYNLT1 surface are unknown. We describe herein the sequence recognition properties of the hydrophobic groove of DYNLT1 known to accommodate dynein intermediate chain. Using a pepscan approach, we have substituted each amino acid within the interacting peptide for all 20 natural amino acids and identified novel binding sequences. Our data led us to propose activin receptor IIB as a novel DYNLT1 ligand and suggest that DYNLT1 functions as a molecular dimerization engine bringing together two receptor monomers in the cytoplasmic side of the membrane. In addition, we provide evidence regarding a dual binding mode adopted by certain interacting partners such as Lfc or the parathyroid hormone receptor. Finally, we have used NMR spectroscopy to obtain the solution structure of human DYNLT1 forming a complex with dynein intermediate chain of ∼74 kDa; it is the first mammalian structure available.

Insights into the C-terminal Peptide Binding Specificity of the PDZ Domain of Neuronal Nitric-oxide Synthase: CHARACTERIZATION OF THE INTERACTION WITH THE TIGHT JUNCTION PROTEIN CLAUDIN-3

Neuronal nitric-oxide synthase, unlike its endothelial and inducible counterparts, displays a PDZ (PSD-95/Dlg/ZO-1) domain located at its N terminus involved in subcellular targeting. The C termini of various cellular proteins insert within the binding groove of this PDZ domain and determine the subcellular distribution of neuronal NOS (nNOS). The molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions are poorly understood because the PDZ domain of nNOS can apparently exhibit class I, class II, and class III binding specificity. In addition, it has been recently suggested that the PDZ domain of nNOS binds with very low affinity to the C termini of target proteins, and a necessary simultaneous lateral interaction must take place for binding to occur. We describe herein that the PDZ domain of nNOS can behave as a bona fide class III PDZ domain and bind to C-terminal sequences with acidic residues at the P-2 position with low micromolar binding constants. Binding to C-terminal sequences with a hydrophobic residue at the P-2 position plus an acidic residue at the P-3 position (class II) can also occur, although interactions involving residues extending up to the P-7 position mediate this type of binding. This promiscuous behavior also extends to its association to class I sequences, which must display a Glu residue at P-3 and a Thr residue at P-2 By means of site-directed mutagenesis and NMR spectroscopy, we have been able to identify the residues involved in each specific type of binding and rationalize the mechanisms used to recognize binding partners. Finally, we have analyzed the high affinity association of the PDZ domain of nNOS to claudin-3 and claudin-14, two tight junction tetraspan membrane proteins that are essential components of the paracellular barrier.

DYNLT (Tctex-1) forms a tripartite complex with dynein intermediate chain and RagA, hence linking this small GTPase to the dynein motor

It has been suggested that DYNLT, a dynein light chain known to bind to various cellular and viral proteins, can function as a microtubule-cargo adaptor. Recent data showed that DYNLT links the small GTPase Rab3D to microtubules and, for this to occur, the DYNLT homodimer needs to display a binding site for dynein intermediate chain together with a binding site for the small GTPase. We have analysed in detail how RagA, another small GTPase, associates to DYNLT. After narrowing down the binding site of RagA to DYNLT we could identify that a β strand, part of the RagA G3 box involved in nucleotide binding, mediates this association. Interestingly, we show that both microtubule-associated DYNLT and cytoplasmic DYNLT are equally able to bind to the small GTPases Rab3D and RagA. Using NMR spectroscopy, we analysed the binding of dynein intermediate chain and RagA to mammalian DYNLT. Our experiments identify residues of DYNLT affected by dynein intermediate chain binding and residues affected by RagA binding, hence distinguishing the docking site for each of them. In summary, our results shed light on the mechanisms adopted by DYNLT when binding to protein cargoes that become transported alongside microtubules bound to the dynein motor.

Altered cGMP dynamics at the plasma membrane contribute to diarrhea in ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) belongs to inflammatory bowel disorders, a group of gastrointestinal disorders that can produce serious recurring diarrhea in affected patients. The mechanism for UC- and inflammatory bowel disorder-associated diarrhea is not well understood. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane-conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel plays an important role in fluid and water transport across the intestinal mucosa. CFTR channel function is regulated in a compartmentalized manner through the formation of CFTR-containing macromolecular complexes at the plasma membrane. In this study, we demonstrate the involvement of a novel macromolecular signaling pathway that causes diarrhea in UC. We found that a nitric oxide-producing enzyme, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), is overexpressed under the plasma membrane and generates compartmentalized cGMP in gut epithelia in UC. The scaffolding protein Na(+)/H(+) exchanger regulatory factor 2 (NHERF2) bridges iNOS with CFTR, forming CFTR-NHERF2-iNOS macromolecular complexes that potentiate CFTR channel function via the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway under inflammatory conditions both in vitro and in vivo. Potential disruption of these complexes in Nherf2(-/-) mice may render them more resistant to CFTR-mediated secretory diarrhea than Nherf2(+/+) mice in murine colitis models. Our study provides insight into the mechanism of pathophysiologic occurrence of diarrhea in UC and suggests that targeting CFTR and CFTR-containing macromolecular complexes will ameliorate diarrheal symptoms and improve conditions associated with inflammatory bowel disorders.

Binding of PDZ domains to the carboxy terminus of inducible nitric oxide synthase boosts electron transfer and NO synthesis

iNOS lacks any phosphorylatable residue at its C-terminus despite displaying a 25-residue extension known to block electron transfer and activity. We report that C-terminal deletions of iNOS increased the cytochrome c reduction rate. Moreover, the interaction of the iNOS C-terminus with the PDZ domains of EBP50 or CAP70 resulted not only in augmented reductase activity and greater NO synthesis but also anticipated the formation of the air-stable semiquinone generated after NADPH addition. Hence, the C-terminus of iNOS regulates the activity of the enzyme, albeit, unlike nNOS and eNOS, displacement of the autoinhibitory element occurs upon binding to proteins with PDZ domains.

Protein kinase D activity controls endothelial nitric oxide synthesis

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulates key functions of the endothelium, such as angiogenesis or vessel repair in processes involving endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation. One of the effector kinases that become activated in endothelial cells upon VEGF treatment is protein kinase D (PKD). Here, we show that PKD phosphorylates eNOS, leading to its activation and a concomitant increase in NO synthesis. Using mass spectrometry, we show that the purified active kinase specifically phosphorylates recombinant eNOS on Ser1179. Treatment of endothelial cells with VEGF or phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) activates PKD and increases eNOS Ser1179 phosphorylation. In addition, pharmacological inhibition of PKD and gene silencing of both PKD1 and PKD2 abrogate VEGF signaling, resulting in a clear diminished migration of endothelial cells in a wound healing assay. Finally, inhibition of PKD in mice results in an almost complete disappearance of the VEGF-induced vasodilatation, as monitored through determination of the diameter of the carotid artery. Hence, our data indicate that PKD is a new regulatory kinase of eNOS in endothelial cells whose activity orchestrates mammalian vascular tone.

Protein kinase D interacts with neuronal nitric oxide synthase and phosphorylates the activatory residue serine 1412

Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase (nNOS) is the biosynthetic enzyme responsible for nitric oxide (·NO) production in muscles and in the nervous system. This constitutive enzyme, unlike its endothelial and inducible counterparts, presents an N-terminal PDZ domain known to display a preference for PDZ-binding motifs bearing acidic residues at -2 position. In a previous work, we discovered that the C-terminal end of two members of protein kinase D family (PKD1 and PKD2) constitutes a PDZ-ligand. PKD1 has been shown to regulate multiple cellular processes and, when activated, becomes autophosphorylated at Ser⁹¹⁶, a residue located at -2 position of its PDZ-binding motif. Since nNOS and PKD are spatially enriched in postsynaptic densities and dendrites, the main objective of our study was to determine whether PKD1 activation could result in a direct interaction with nNOS through their respective PDZ-ligand and PDZ domain, and to analyze the functional consequences of this interaction. Herein we demonstrate that PKD1 associates with nNOS in neurons and in transfected cells, and that kinase activation enhances PKD1-nNOS co-immunoprecipitation and subcellular colocalization. However, transfection of mammalian cells with PKD1 mutants and yeast two hybrid assays showed that the association of these two enzymes does not depend on PKD1 PDZ-ligand but its pleckstrin homology domain. Furthermore, this domain was able to pull-down nNOS from brain extracts and bind to purified nNOS, indicating that it mediates a direct PKD1-nNOS interaction. In addition, using mass spectrometry we demonstrate that PKD1 specifically phosphorylates nNOS in the activatory residue Ser¹⁴¹², and that this phosphorylation increases nNOS activity and ·NO production in living cells. In conclusion, these novel findings reveal a crucial role of PKD1 in the regulation of nNOS activation and synthesis of ·NO, a mediator involved in physiological neuronal signaling or neurotoxicity under pathological conditions such as ischemic stroke or neurodegeneration.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase drives mTOR pathway activation and proliferation of human melanoma by reversible nitrosylation of TSC2

Melanoma is one of the cancers of fastest-rising incidence in the world. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is overexpressed in melanoma and other cancers, and previous data suggest that iNOS and nitric oxide (NO) drive survival and proliferation of human melanoma cells. However, specific mechanisms through which this occurs are poorly defined. One candidate is the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway, which plays a major role in proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis of melanoma and other cancers. We used the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay to test the hypothesis that melanoma growth is regulated by iNOS-dependent mTOR pathway activation. Both pharmacologic inhibition and siRNA-mediated gene silencing of iNOS suppressed melanoma proliferation and in vivo growth on the CAM in human melanoma models. This was associated with strong downregulation of mTOR pathway activation by Western blot analysis of p-mTOR, p70 ribosomal S6 kinase (p-P70S6K), p-S6RP, and p-4EBP1. iNOS expression and NO were associated with reversible nitrosylation of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) 2, and inhibited dimerization of TSC2 with its inhibitory partner TSC1, enhancing GTPase activity of its target Ras homolog enriched in brain (Rheb), a critical activator of mTOR signaling. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumor specimens from stage III melanoma patients showed a significant correlation between iNOS expression levels and expression of the mTOR pathway members. Exogenously supplied NO was also sufficient to reverse the mTOR pathway inhibition by the B-Raf inhibitor vemurafenib. In summary, covalent modification of TSC2 by iNOS-derived NO is associated with impaired TSC2/TSC1 dimerization, mTOR pathway activation, and proliferation of human melanoma. This model is consistent with the known association of iNOS overexpression and poor prognosis in melanoma and other cancers.

Proteomic analysis of the NOS2 interactome in human airway epithelial cells

The cytokine-inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) is constitutively expressed in human respiratory epithelia and is upregulated in inflammatory lung disease. Here, we sought to better define the protein interactions that may be important for NOS2 activity and stability, as well as to identify potential targets of NOS2-derived NO, in the respiratory epithelium. We overexpressed Flag-tagged, catalytically-inactive NOS2 in A549 cells and used mass spectrometry to qualitatively identify NOS2 co-immunoprecipitating proteins. Stable isotope labeling of amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) was used to quantify the coordinate effects of cytokine stimulation on NOS2-protein interactions. Multi-protein networks dominated the NOS2 interactome, and cytokine-inducible interactions with allosteric activators and with the ubiquitin-proteasome system were correlated with cytokine-dependent increases in NO metabolites and in NOS2 ubiquitination. The ubiquitin ligase scaffolding protein, FBXO45, was identified as a novel, direct NOS2 interactor. Similar to the SPRY domain-containing SOCS box (SPSB) proteins, FBXO45 requires Asn27 in the (23)DINNN(27) motif of NOS2 for its interaction. However, FBXO45 is unique from the SPSBs in that it recruits a distinct E3 ligase complex containing MYCBP2 and SKP1. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the general utility of interaction proteomics for defining new aspects of NOS2 physiology.

Nitrosothiols in the immune system: signaling and protection

SIGNIFICANCE

In the immune system, nitric oxide (NO) has been mainly associated with antibacterial defenses exerted through oxidative, nitrosative, and nitrative stress and signal transduction through cyclic GMP-dependent mechanisms. However, S-nitrosylation is emerging as a post-translational modification (PTM) involved in NO-mediated cell signaling.

RECENT ADVANCES

Precise roles for S-nitrosylation in signaling pathways have been described both for innate and adaptive immunity. Denitrosylation may protect macrophages from their own S-nitrosylation, while maintaining nitrosative stress compartmentalized in the phagosomes. Nitrosothiols have also been shown to be beneficial in experimental models of autoimmune diseases, mainly through their role in modulating T-cell differentiation and function.

CRITICAL ISSUES

Relationship between S-nitrosylation, other thiol redox PTMs, and other NO-signaling pathways has not been always taken into account, particularly in the context of immune responses. Methods for assaying S-nitrosylation in individual proteins and proteomic approaches to study the S-nitrosoproteome are constantly being improved, which helps to move this field forward.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Integrated studies of signaling pathways in the immune system should consider whether S-nitrosylation/denitrosylation processes are among the PTMs influencing the activity of key signaling and adaptor proteins. Studies in pathophysiological scenarios will also be of interest to put these mechanisms into broader contexts. Interventions modulating nitrosothiol levels in autoimmune disease could be investigated with a view to developing new therapies.

LC8 dynein light chain (DYNLL1) binds to the C-terminal domain of ATM-interacting protein (ATMIN/ASCIZ) and regulates its subcellular localization

LC8 dynein light chain (now termed DYNLL1 and DYNLL2 in mammals), a dimeric 89 amino acid protein, is a component of the dynein multi-protein complex. However a substantial amount of DYNLL1 is not associated to microtubules and it can thus interact with dozens of cellular and viral proteins that display well-defined, short linear motifs. Using DYNLL1 as bait in a yeast two-hybrid screen of a human heart library we identified ATMIN, an ATM kinase-interacting protein, as a DYNLL1-binding partner. Interestingly, ATMIN displays at least 18 SQ/TQ motifs in its sequence and DYNLL1 is known to bind to proteins with KXTQT motifs. Using pepscan and yeast two-hybrid techniques we show that DYNLL1 binds to multiple SQ/TQ motifs present in the carboxy-terminal domain of ATMIN. Recombinant expression and purification of the DYNLL1-binding region of ATMIN allowed us to obtain a polypeptide with an apparent molecular mass in gel filtration close to 400 kDa that could bind to DYNLL1 in vitro. The NMR data-driven modelled complexes of DYNLL1 with two selected ATMIN peptides revealed a similar mode of binding to that observed between DYNLL1 and other peptide targets. Remarkably, co-expression of mCherry-DYNLL1 and GFP-ATMIN mutually affected intracellular protein localization. In GFP-ATMIN expressing-cells DNA damage induced efficiently nuclear foci formation, which was partly impeded by the presence of mCherry-DYNLL1. Thus, our results imply a potential cellular interference between DYNLL1 and ATMIN functions.

Interaction of the human prostacyclin receptor with the PDZ adapter protein PDZK1: role in endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis

Prostacyclin is widely implicated in re-endothelialization and angiogenesis but through unknown mechanisms. Herein the HDL scavenger receptor class B, type 1 adapter PDZK1 was identified as a direct, functional interactant of the human prostacyclin receptor and was found to influence prostacyclin-mediated endothelial migration and in vitro angiogenesis.

Prostacyclin is increasingly implicated in re-endothelialization and angiogenesis but through largely unknown mechanisms. Herein the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) scavenger receptor class B, type 1 (SR-B1) adapter protein PDZ domain-containing protein 1 (PDZK1) was identified as an interactant of the human prostacyclin receptor (hIP) involving a Class I PDZ ligand at its carboxyl terminus and PDZ domains 1, 3, and 4 of PDZK1. Although the interaction is constitutive, it may be dynamically regulated following cicaprost activation of the hIP through a mechanism involving cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PK)A-phosphorylation of PDZK1 at Ser-505. Although PDZK1 did not increase overall levels of the hIP, it increased its functional expression at the cell surface, enhancing ligand binding and cicaprost-induced cAMP generation. Consistent with its role in re-endothelialization and angiogenesis, cicaprost activation of the hIP increased endothelial cell migration and tube formation/in vitro angiogenesis, effects completely abrogated by the specific IP antagonist RO1138452. Furthermore, similar to HDL/SR-B1, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-targeted disruption of PDZK1 abolished cicaprost-mediated endothelial responses but did not affect VEGF responses. Considering the essential role played by prostacyclin throughout the cardiovascular system, identification of PDZK1 as a functional interactant of the hIP sheds significant mechanistic insights into the protective roles of these key players, and potentially HDL/SR-B1, within the vascular endothelium.

PDZ adaptors: their regulation of epithelial transporters and involvement in human diseases

Homeostasis in the body is at least partially maintained by mechanisms that control membrane permeability, and thereby serve to control the uptake of essential substances (e.g., nutrients) and the efflux of unwanted substances (e.g., xenobiotics and metabolites) in epithelial cells. Various transporters play fundamental roles in such bidirectional transport, but little is known about how they are organized on plasma membranes. Protein-protein interactions may play a key role: several transporters in epithelial cells interact with the so-called adaptor proteins, which are membrane anchored and interact with both transporters and other membranous proteins. Although most of the evidences for transporter-adaptor interaction has been obtained in vitro, recent studies suggest that adaptor-mediated transporter regulation does occur in vivo and could be relevant to human diseases. Thus, protein-protein interaction is not only associated with the formation of macromolecular complexes but is also involved in various cellular events, and may provide transporters with additional functionality by forming transporter networks on plasma membranes. Interactions between xenobiotic transporters and PSD95/Dlg/ZO1 (PDZ) adaptors were previously reviewed by Kato and Tsuji (2006. Eur J Pharm Sci 27:487-500); the present review focuses on the latest findings about PDZ adaptors as regulators of transporter networks and their potential role in human diseases.

Identification of a novel staining pattern of bile duct epithelial cells in primary sclerosing cholangitis

BACKGROUND

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an inflammatory disease of the bile ducts with an unknown etiology. A number of autoantigens have been proposed, but an early diagnostic marker is still lacking. Our aim was to identify such an autoantigen.

METHODS

Immunostaining was performed on normal human bile duct with sera from patients with PSC and controls. To identify an autoantigen a cDNA library from normal human choledochus was constructed and immunoscreened with patient sera. Using in vitro transcription and translation and immunoprecipitation we examined the immunoreactivity against PDZ domain containing 1 (PDZK1) in 35 patients with PSC, 198 control patients, and 94 healthy controls.

RESULTS

We observed a previously unpublished staining pattern in which cytoplasmatic granules and apical cell membranes of biliary epithelial cells were stained by PSC sera. Strong immunoreactivity to these structures was obtained with 12 out of 35 PSC sera (34%) but not with sera from healthy controls. By screening the cDNA library we identified PDZK1 as a candidate antigen. Immunoreactivity against PDZK1 was detected in 9% of PSC patients, 2% of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, 8% of autoimmune pancreatitis patients, 18% of Grave's disease patients, and 1% of healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Previously unpublished, specific, and strong autoantibodies against epithelial cells of the bile duct in PSC sera were identified. Furthermore, PDZK1 is suggested as a potential new autoantigen.

Replication of the five novel loci for uric acid concentrations and potential mediating mechanisms

Uric acid (UA) is the final catabolic product of purine metabolism and elevated levels are associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A recent meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies totalling 28,141 participants identified five novel loci associated with serum UA levels. In our population-based cohort of 7795 subjects, we replicated four of these five loci; PDZK1 (rs12129861, P = 1.07 x 10(-3)), glucokinase regulator protein (GCKR) (rs780094, P = 4.83 x 10(-4)), SLC16A9 (rs742132, P = 0.047) and SLC22A11 (rs17300741, P = 6.13 x 10(-3)), but not LRRC16A (rs742132, P = 0.645). Serum UA concentration is a complex trait, closely associated to renal UA handling (fractional UA excretion, P < 1 x 10(-300)), renal function (serum creatinine, P < 1 x 10(-300)) and the metabolic syndrome (including fasting insulin, P = 2.48 x 10(-232); insulin resistance, P = 2.51 x 10(-258); waist circumference, P < 1 x 10(-300)) and systolic blood pressure (P = 1.93 x 10(-219)). Together these factors explain 67% of the variance in UA levels. Therefore, we sought to determine the potential contribution of these factors to the association of these novel loci with UA levels, by including them as additional explanatory variables in our analyses, and by considering them as alternative response variables. The association with the GCKR locus is attenuated by serum triglycerides and fractional UA excretion. We also observed the GCKR locus to be associated with total cholesterol (P = 7.52 x 10(-6)), triglycerides (P = 2.65 x 10(-9)), fasting glucose (P = 0.011), fractional UA excretion (P = 3.36 x 10(-5)) and high-sensitive CRP (P = 1.18 x 10(-3)) also after adjusting for serum UA levels. We argue that GCKR locus affects serum UA levels through a factor that also affects triglycerides.