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Poonsiri T, Stransky J, Demitri N, Haas H, Cianci M, Benini S. SidF, a dual substrate N5-acetyl-N5-hydroxy-L-ornithine transacetylase involved in Aspergillus fumigatus siderophore biosynthesis. J Struct Biol X 2025; 11:100119. [PMID: 39845173 PMCID: PMC11751504 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjsbx.2024.100119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2024] [Revised: 12/24/2024] [Accepted: 12/25/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2025] Open
Abstract
Siderophore-mediated iron acquisition is essential for the virulence of Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus causing life-threatening aspergillosis. Drugs targeting the siderophore biosynthetic pathway could help improve disease management. The transacetylases SidF and SidL generate intermediates for different siderophores in A. fumigatus. A. fumigatus has a yet unidentified transacetylase that complements SidL during iron deficiency in SidL-lacking mutants. We present the first X-ray structure of SidF, revealing a two-domain architecture with tetrameric assembly. The N-terminal domain contributes to protein solubility and oligomerization, while the C-terminal domain containing the GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) motif is crucial for the enzymatic activity and mediates oligomer formation. Notably, AlphaFold modelling demonstrates structural similarity between SidF and SidL. Enzymatic assays showed that SidF can utilize acetyl-CoA as a donor, previously thought to be a substrate of SidL but not SidF, and selectively uses N5-hydroxy-L-ornithine as an acceptor. This study elucidates the structure of SidF and reveals its role in siderophore biosynthesis. We propose SidF as the unknown transacetylase complementing SidL activity, highlighting its central role in A. fumigatus siderophore biosynthesis. Investigation of this uncharacterized GNAT protein enhances our understanding of fungal virulence and holds promise for its potential application in developing antifungal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanalai Poonsiri
- Bioorganic Chemistry and Bio-Crystallography Laboratory (B2Cl) Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Libera Università di Bolzano, Piazza Università, 1, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Jan Stransky
- Institute of Biotechnology, AS CR, Centre of Molecular Structure, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Nicola Demitri
- Elettra –Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 14 Km 163.5 in Area Science Park, Basovizza, Trieste I-34149, Italy
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Institute of Molecular Biology/Biocenter, Medical University Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michele Cianci
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefano Benini
- Bioorganic Chemistry and Bio-Crystallography Laboratory (B2Cl) Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Libera Università di Bolzano, Piazza Università, 1, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
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2
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Øye H, Lundekvam M, Caiella A, Hellesvik M, Arnesen T. Protein N-terminal modifications: molecular machineries and biological implications. Trends Biochem Sci 2025; 50:290-310. [PMID: 39837675 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2024] [Revised: 12/15/2024] [Accepted: 12/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2025]
Abstract
The majority of eukaryotic proteins undergo N-terminal (Nt) modifications facilitated by various enzymes. These enzymes, which target the initial amino acid of a polypeptide in a sequence-dependent manner, encompass peptidases, transferases, cysteine oxygenases, and ligases. Nt modifications - such as acetylation, fatty acylations, methylation, arginylation, and oxidation - enhance proteome complexity and regulate protein targeting, stability, and complex formation. Modifications at protein N termini are thereby core components of a large number of biological processes, including cell signaling and motility, autophagy regulation, and plant and animal oxygen sensing. Dysregulation of Nt-modifying enzymes is implicated in several human diseases. In this feature review we provide an overview of the various protein Nt modifications occurring either co- or post-translationally, the enzymes involved, and the biological impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Øye
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Malin Lundekvam
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Alessia Caiella
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Thomas Arnesen
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
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3
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Zhang Y, Li Z, Lu H, Jiang Z, Song Y, Ye Z, Gu C, Chen K, Shang A. Pan-cancer analysis uncovered the prognostic and therapeutic value of disulfidptosis. NPJ Precis Oncol 2025; 9:50. [PMID: 39994355 PMCID: PMC11850913 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-025-00834-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2025] [Indexed: 02/26/2025] Open
Abstract
Disulfidptosis, a newly discovered cell death mode distinct from other programmed cell death in lung and kidney cancer cells, is defined as extensive disulfide bonds to actin cytoskeleton proteins, leading to actin contraction and cytoskeletal disruption cell death. New cell death pattern discoveries often drive advances in tumor research. Therefore, the present study attempted to decipher the manifestation and importance of disulfidptosis in pan-cancer. Combining Clinical specimen immunofluorescence staining, single-cell analyses, and spatial transcriptome analyses, we demonstrated the manifestation of disulfidptosis in pan-cancer. Multi-omics analysis has revealed that genomic variants and DNA methylation in DRGs can affect the prognosis of patients with pan-cancer. The nomogram based on the DRGs Score model could accurately predict the prognosis of patients with pan-cancer. PF-562271, EHT-1864, and IPA-3 are potential therapeutic agents targeting disulfidptosis. Collectively, this study deciphered for the first time the importance of disulfidptosis for pan-cancer and developed the DRGs Score model that can assist clinicians in accurately predicting the prognosis and guiding individualized treatment of pan-cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang & The Oncology Hospital of Lianyungang, Xuzhou Medical University Lianyungang Second Hospital& Jiangsu University Lianyungang Second Hospitall, No.41, Hailian East Road, Lianyungang, 222006, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zihua Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hengli Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zongrui Jiang
- Department of Joint Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yixian Song
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhanhui Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chenzheng Gu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, shanghaii, 200032, P. R. China.
| | - Kequan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Anquan Shang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang & The Oncology Hospital of Lianyungang, Xuzhou Medical University Lianyungang Second Hospital& Jiangsu University Lianyungang Second Hospitall, No.41, Hailian East Road, Lianyungang, 222006, China.
- Shanghai Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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4
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Heissler SM, Chinthalapudi K. Structural and functional mechanisms of actin isoforms. FEBS J 2025; 292:468-482. [PMID: 38779987 PMCID: PMC11796330 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Actin is a highly conserved and fundamental protein in eukaryotes and participates in a broad spectrum of cellular functions. Cells maintain a conserved ratio of actin isoforms, with muscle and non-muscle actins representing the main actin isoforms in muscle and non-muscle cells, respectively. Actin isoforms have specific and redundant functional roles and display different biochemistries, cellular localization, and interactions with myosins and actin-binding proteins. Understanding the specific roles of actin isoforms from the structural and functional perspective is crucial for elucidating the intricacies of cytoskeletal dynamics and regulation and their implications in health and disease. Here, we review how the structure contributes to the functional mechanisms of actin isoforms with a special emphasis on the questions of how post-translational modifications and disease-linked mutations affect actin isoforms biochemistry, function, and interaction with actin-binding proteins and myosin motors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Heissler
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research InstituteThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
| | - Krishna Chinthalapudi
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research InstituteThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
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5
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McTiernan N, Kjosås I, Arnesen T. Illuminating the impact of N-terminal acetylation: from protein to physiology. Nat Commun 2025; 16:703. [PMID: 39814713 PMCID: PMC11735805 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-55960-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2025] [Indexed: 01/18/2025] Open
Abstract
N-terminal acetylation is a highly abundant protein modification in eukaryotic cells. This modification is catalysed by N-terminal acetyltransferases acting co- or post-translationally. Here, we review the eukaryotic N-terminal acetylation machinery: the enzymes involved and their substrate specificities. We also provide an overview of the impact of N-terminal acetylation, including its effects on protein folding, subcellular targeting, protein complex formation, and protein turnover. In particular, there may be competition between N-terminal acetyltransferases and other enzymes in defining protein fate. At the organismal level, N-terminal acetylation is highly influential, and its impairment was recently linked to cardiac dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina McTiernan
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Ine Kjosås
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Thomas Arnesen
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
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6
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Ree R, Lin SJ, Sti Dahl LO, Huang K, Petree C, Varshney GK, Arnesen T. Naa80 is required for actin N-terminal acetylation and normal hearing in zebrafish. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202402795. [PMID: 39384430 PMCID: PMC11465159 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202402795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 09/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Actin is a critical component of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton. In animals, actins undergo unique N-terminal processing by dedicated enzymes resulting in mature acidic and acetylated forms. The final step, N-terminal acetylation, is catalyzed by NAA80 in humans. N-terminal acetylation of actin is crucial for maintaining normal cytoskeletal dynamics and cell motility in human cell lines. However, the physiological impact of actin N-terminal acetylation remains to be fully understood. We developed a zebrafish naa80 knockout model and demonstrated that Naa80 acetylates both muscle and non-muscle actins in vivo. Assays with purified Naa80 revealed a preference for acetylating actin N-termini. Zebrafish lacking actin N-terminal acetylation exhibited normal development, morphology, and behavior. In contrast, humans with pathogenic actin variants can present with hypotonia and hearing impairment. Whereas zebrafish lacking naa80 showed no obvious muscle defects or abnormalities, we observed abnormal inner ear development, small otoliths, and impaired response to sound. In conclusion, we have established that zebrafish Naa80 N-terminally acetylates actins in vitro and in vivo, and that actin N-terminal acetylation is essential for normal hearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasmus Ree
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Sheng-Jia Lin
- Genes and Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | | | - Kevin Huang
- Genes and Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Cassidy Petree
- Genes and Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Gaurav K Varshney
- Genes and Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Thomas Arnesen
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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7
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Larsen SK, Bekkelund ÅK, Glomnes N, Arnesen T, Aksnes H. Assessing N-terminal acetylation status of cellular proteins via an antibody specific for acetylated methionine. Biochimie 2024; 226:113-120. [PMID: 39038730 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
N-terminal acetylation is being recognized as a factor affecting protein lifetime and proteostasis. It is a modification where an acetyl group is added to the N-terminus of proteins, and this occurs in 80 % of the human proteome. N-terminal acetylation is catalyzed by enzymes called N-terminal acetyltransferases (NATs). The various NATs acetylate different N-terminal amino acids, and methionine is a known target for some of the NATs. Currently, the acetylation status of most proteins can only be assessed with a limited number of methods, including mass spectrometry, which although powerful and robust, remains laborious and can only survey a fraction of the proteome. We here present testing of an antibody that was developed to specifically recognize Nt-acetylated methionine-starting proteins. We have used dot blots with synthetic acetylated and non-acetylated peptides in addition to protein analysis of lysates from NAT knockout cell lines to assess the specificity and application of this anti-Nt-acetylated methionine antibody (anti-NtAc-Met). Our results demonstrate that this antibody is indeed NtAc-specific and further show that it has selectivity for some subtypes of methionine-starting N-termini, specifically potential substrates of the NatC, NatE and NatF enzymes. We propose that this antibody may be a powerful tool to identify NAT substrates or to analyse changes in N-terminal acetylation for specific cellular proteins of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Åse K Bekkelund
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Nina Glomnes
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Thomas Arnesen
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Henriette Aksnes
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
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8
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Yu CJ, Park YH, An MY, Ryu B, Jung HS. Insights into Actin Isoform-Specific Interactions with Myosin via Computational Analysis. Molecules 2024; 29:2992. [PMID: 38998944 PMCID: PMC11242942 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29132992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Actin, which plays a crucial role in cellular structure and function, interacts with various binding proteins, notably myosin. In mammals, actin is composed of six isoforms that exhibit high levels of sequence conservation and structural similarity overall. As a result, the selection of actin isoforms was considered unimportant in structural studies of their binding with myosin. However, recent high-resolution structural research discovered subtle structural differences in the N-terminus of actin isoforms, suggesting the possibility that each actin isoform may engage in specific interactions with myosin isoforms. In this study, we aimed to explore this possibility, particularly by understanding the influence of different actin isoforms on the interaction with myosin 7A. First, we compared the reported actomyosin structures utilizing the same type of actin isoforms as the high-resolution filamentous skeletal α-actin (3.5 Å) structure elucidated using cryo-EM. Through this comparison, we confirmed that the diversity of myosin isoforms leads to differences in interaction with the actin N-terminus, and that loop 2 of the myosin actin-binding sites directly interacts with the actin N-terminus. Subsequently, with the aid of multiple sequence alignment, we observed significant variations in the length of loop 2 across different myosin isoforms. We predicted that these length differences in loop 2 would likely result in structural variations that would affect the interaction with the actin N-terminus. For myosin 7A, loop 2 was found to be very short, and protein complex predictions using skeletal α-actin confirmed an interaction between loop 2 and the actin N-terminus. The prediction indicated that the positively charged residues present in loop 2 electrostatically interact with the acidic patch residues D24 and D25 of actin subdomain 1, whereas interaction with the actin N-terminus beyond this was not observed. Additionally, analyses of the actomyosin-7A prediction models generated using various actin isoforms consistently yielded the same results regardless of the type of actin isoform employed. The results of this study suggest that the subtle structural differences in the N-terminus of actin isoforms are unlikely to influence the binding structure with short loop 2 myosin 7A. Our findings are expected to provide a deeper understanding for future high-resolution structural binding studies of actin and myosin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Jong Yu
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Gangwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Ho Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Gangwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Young An
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Gangwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Bumhan Ryu
- Research Solution Center, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Suk Jung
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Gangwon, Republic of Korea
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9
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Koufaris C, Demetriadou C, Nicolaidou V, Kirmizis A. Bioinformatic Analysis Reveals the Association of Human N-Terminal Acetyltransferase Complexes with Distinct Transcriptional and Post-Transcriptional Processes. Biochem Genet 2024:10.1007/s10528-024-10860-z. [PMID: 38864963 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-024-10860-z] [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: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
N-terminal acetyltransferases (NAT) are the protein complexes that deposit the abundant N-terminal acetylation (Nt-Ac) on eukaryotic proteins, with seven human complexes currently identified. Despite the increasing recognition of their biological and clinical importance, NAT regulation remains elusive. In this study, we performed a bioinformatic investigation to identify transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes that could be involved in the regulation of human NAT complexes. First, co-expression analysis of independent transcriptomic datasets revealed divergent pathway associations for human NAT, which are potentially connected to their distinct cellular functions. One interesting connection uncovered was the coordinated regulation of the NatA and proteasomal genes in cancer and immune cells, confirmed by analysis of multiple datasets and in isolated primary T cells. Another distinctive association was of NAA40 (NatD) with DNA replication, in cancer and non-cancer settings. The link between NAA40 transcription and DNA replication is potentially mediated through E2F1, which we have experimentally shown to bind the promoter of this NAT. Second, the coupled examination of transcriptomic and proteomic datasets revealed a much greater intra-complex concordance of NAT subunits at the protein compared to the transcript level, indicating the predominance of post-transcriptional processes for achieving their coordination. In agreement with this concept, we also found that the effects of somatic copy number alterations affecting NAT genes are attenuated post-transcriptionally. In conclusion, this study provides novel insights into the regulation of human NAT complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Koufaris
- Epigenetics and Gene Regulation Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, 2109, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - C Demetriadou
- Epigenetics and Gene Regulation Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, 2109, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - V Nicolaidou
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - A Kirmizis
- Epigenetics and Gene Regulation Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, 2109, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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10
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Ceron RH, Báez-Cruz FA, Palmer NJ, Carman PJ, Boczkowska M, Heuckeroth RO, Ostap EM, Dominguez R. Molecular mechanisms linking missense ACTG2 mutations to visceral myopathy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn6615. [PMID: 38820162 PMCID: PMC11141634 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn6615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Visceral myopathy is a life-threatening disease characterized by muscle weakness in the bowel, bladder, and uterus. Mutations in smooth muscle γ-actin (ACTG2) are the most common cause of the disease, but the mechanisms by which the mutations alter muscle function are unknown. Here, we examined four prevalent ACTG2 mutations (R40C, R148C, R178C, and R257C) that cause different disease severity and are spread throughout the actin fold. R178C displayed premature degradation, R148C disrupted interactions with actin-binding proteins, R40C inhibited polymerization, and R257C destabilized filaments. Because these mutations are heterozygous, we also analyzed 50/50 mixtures with wild-type (WT) ACTG2. The WT/R40C mixture impaired filament nucleation by leiomodin 1, and WT/R257C produced filaments that were easily fragmented by smooth muscle myosin. Smooth muscle tropomyosin isoform Tpm1.4 partially rescued the defects of R40C and R257C. Cryo-electron microscopy structures of filaments formed by R40C and R257C revealed disrupted intersubunit contacts. The biochemical and structural properties of the mutants correlate with their genotype-specific disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel H. Ceron
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Faviolla A. Báez-Cruz
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nicholas J. Palmer
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Peter J. Carman
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Malgorzata Boczkowska
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Robert O. Heuckeroth
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - E. Michael Ostap
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Roberto Dominguez
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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11
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Vizcaíno-Castillo A, Kotila T, Kogan K, Yanase R, Como J, Antenucci L, Michelot A, Sunter JD, Lappalainen P. Leishmania profilin interacts with actin through an unusual structural mechanism to control cytoskeletal dynamics in parasites. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105740. [PMID: 38340794 PMCID: PMC10907219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.105740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Diseases caused by Leishmania and Trypanosoma parasites are a major health problem in tropical countries. Because of their complex life cycle involving both vertebrate and insect hosts, and >1 billion years of evolutionarily distance, the cell biology of trypanosomatid parasites exhibits pronounced differences to animal cells. For example, the actin cytoskeleton of trypanosomatids is divergent when compared with other eukaryotes. To understand how actin dynamics are regulated in trypanosomatid parasites, we focused on a central actin-binding protein profilin. Co-crystal structure of Leishmania major actin in complex with L. major profilin revealed that, although the overall folds of actin and profilin are conserved in eukaryotes, Leishmania profilin contains a unique α-helical insertion, which interacts with the target binding cleft of actin monomer. This insertion is conserved across the Trypanosomatidae family and is similar to the structure of WASP homology-2 (WH2) domain, a small actin-binding motif found in many other cytoskeletal regulators. The WH2-like motif contributes to actin monomer binding and enhances the actin nucleotide exchange activity of Leishmania profilin. Moreover, Leishmania profilin inhibited formin-catalyzed actin filament assembly in a mechanism that is dependent on the presence of the WH2-like motif. By generating profilin knockout and knockin Leishmania mexicana strains, we show that profilin is important for efficient endocytic sorting in parasites, and that the ability to bind actin monomers and proline-rich proteins, and the presence of a functional WH2-like motif, are important for the in vivo function of Leishmania profilin. Collectively, this study uncovers molecular principles by which profilin regulates actin dynamics in trypanosomatids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tommi Kotila
- HiLIFE Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Konstantin Kogan
- HiLIFE Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ryuji Yanase
- Oxford Brookes University, Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford, UK
| | - Juna Como
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Lina Antenucci
- HiLIFE Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alphee Michelot
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Jack D Sunter
- Oxford Brookes University, Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford, UK.
| | - Pekka Lappalainen
- HiLIFE Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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12
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Mohammadi MF, Dehghani A, Zarabadi K, Kahani SM, Sayyad S, Ashrafi MR, Heidari M, Mohammadi P, Garshasbi M, Tavasoli AR. Persistent basal ganglia involvement in aminoacylase-1 deficiency: expanding imaging findings and review of literature. Ir J Med Sci 2024; 193:449-456. [PMID: 37523070 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-023-03452-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aminoacylase-1 deficiency (ACY1D) is an autosomal recessive rare inborn error of metabolism, which is caused by disease-causing variants in the ACY1. This disorder is characterized by increased urinary excretion of specific N-acetyl amino acids. Affected individuals demonstrate heterogeneous clinical manifestations which are primarily neurologic problems. In neuroimaging, corpus callosum hypoplasia, cerebellar vermis atrophy, and delayed myelination of cerebral white matter have been reported. AIMS Finding disease-causing variant and expanding imaging findings in a patient with persistent basal ganglia involvement. METHODS Whole-exome sequencing was performed in order to identify disease-causing variants in an affected 5-year-old male patient who presented with neurologic regression superimposed on neurodevelopmental delay following a febrile illness. He had inability to walk, cognitive impairment, speech delay, febrile-induced seizures, truncal hypotonia, moderate to severe generalized dystonia, and recurrent metabolic decompensation. RESULTS All metabolic tests were normal except for a moderate metabolic acidosis following febrile illnesses. The results of serial brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at ages 1 and 4.5 years revealed persistent bilateral and symmetric abnormal signals in basal ganglia mainly caudate and globus pallidus nuclei with progression over time in addition to a mild supratentorial atrophy. A homozygous missense variant [NM_000666.3: c.1057C>T; p.(Arg353Cys)] was identified in the ACY1, consistent with aminoacylase-1 deficiency. Variant confirmation in patient and segregation analysis in his family were performed using Sanger sequencing. CONCLUSIONS Our findings expanded the phenotype spectrum of ACY1-related neurodegeneration by demonstrating persistent basal ganglia involvement and moderate to severe generalized dystonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Farid Mohammadi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
- PardisGene Co., Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Dehghani
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kiana Zarabadi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyyed Mohammad Kahani
- PardisGene Co., Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Setareh Sayyad
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Ashrafi
- Myelin Disorders Clinic, Pediatric Neurology Division, Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Heidari
- Myelin Disorders Clinic, Pediatric Neurology Division, Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pouria Mohammadi
- PardisGene Co., Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- Myelin Disorders Clinic, Pediatric Neurology Division, Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Garshasbi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ali Reza Tavasoli
- Myelin Disorders Clinic, Pediatric Neurology Division, Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Pediatric Headache Program, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
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13
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Bayat Z, Mazaheri T, Farhadifard H, Taherkhani A. Mechanisms Involved in Therapeutic Effects of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on Systems Biology and Structural Bioinformatics Approaches. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 2024:1236910. [PMID: 38322303 PMCID: PMC10846925 DOI: 10.1155/2024/1236910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Objective Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most frequent oral cancer, constituting more than 90% of all oral carcinomas. The 5-year survival rate of OSCC patients is not satisfactory, and therefore, there is an urgent need for new practical therapeutic approaches besides the current therapies to overcome OSCC. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG) is a plant of the family Lamiaceae with several pharmaceutical properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Previous studies have demonstrated the curative effects of SBG in OSCC. Methods A systems biology approach was conducted to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in OSCC patients with a dismal prognosis compared to OSCC patients with a favorable prognosis. A protein interaction map (PIM) was built based on DEMs targets, and the hub genes within the PIM were indicated. Subsequently, the prognostic role of the hubs was studied using Kaplan-Meier curves. Next, the binding affinity of SBG's main components, including baicalein, wogonin, oroxylin-A, salvigenin, and norwogonin, to the prognostic markers in OSCC was evaluated using molecular docking analysis. Results Survival analysis showed that overexpression of CAV1, SERPINE1, ACTB, SMAD3, HMGA2, MYC, EIF2S1, HSPA4, HSPA5, and IL6 was significantly related to a poor prognosis in OSCC. Besides, molecular docking analysis demonstrated the ΔGbinding and inhibition constant values between SBG's main components and SERPINE1, ACTB, HMGA2, EIF2S1, HSPA4, and HSPA5 were as <-8.00 kcal/mol and nanomolar concentration, respectively. The most salient binding affinity was observed between wogonin and SERPINE1 with a criterion of ΔGbinding < -10.02 kcal/mol. Conclusion The present results unraveled potential mechanisms involved in therapeutic effects of SBG in OSCC based on systems biology and structural bioinformatics analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynab Bayat
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine, School of Dentistry, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Tina Mazaheri
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine, School of Dentistry, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Homa Farhadifard
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Amir Taherkhani
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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14
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Nietmann P, Kaub K, Suchenko A, Stenz S, Warnecke C, Balasubramanian MK, Janshoff A. Cytosolic actin isoforms form networks with different rheological properties that indicate specific biological function. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7989. [PMID: 38042893 PMCID: PMC10693642 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43653-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The implications of the existence of different actins expressed in epithelial cells for network mechanics and dynamics is investigated by microrheology and confocal imaging. γ-actin predominately found in the apical cortex forms stiffer networks compared to β-actin, which is preferentially organized in stress fibers. We attribute this to selective interactions with Mg2+-ions interconnecting the filaments' N-termini. Bundling propensity of the isoforms is different in the presence of Mg2+-ions, while crosslinkers such as α-actinin, fascin, and heavy meromyosin alter the mechanical response independent of the isoform. In the presence of myosin, β-actin networks show a large number of small contraction foci, while γ-actin displays larger but fewer foci indicative of a stronger interaction with myosin motors. We infer that subtle changes in the amino acid sequence of actin isoforms lead to alterations of the mechanical properties on the network level with potential implications for specific biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Nietmann
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Goettingen, Tammannstr. 6, Göttingen, 37077, Germany
| | - Kevin Kaub
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Goettingen, Tammannstr. 6, Göttingen, 37077, Germany
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstr. 29, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Andrejus Suchenko
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Susanne Stenz
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Goettingen, Tammannstr. 6, Göttingen, 37077, Germany
| | - Claas Warnecke
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Goettingen, Tammannstr. 6, Göttingen, 37077, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Janshoff
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Goettingen, Tammannstr. 6, Göttingen, 37077, Germany.
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstr. 29, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany.
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15
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Kast DJ, Jansen S. Purification of modified mammalian actin isoforms for in vitro reconstitution assays. Eur J Cell Biol 2023; 102:151363. [PMID: 37778219 PMCID: PMC10872616 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2023.151363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro reconstitution assays using purified actin have greatly improved our understanding of cytoskeletal dynamics and their regulation by actin-binding proteins. However, early purification methods consisted of harsh conditions to obtain pure actin and often did not include correct maturation and obligate modification of the isolated actin monomers. Novel insights into the folding requirements and N-terminal processing of actin as well as a better understanding of the interaction of actin with monomer sequestering proteins such as DNaseI, profilin and gelsolin, led to the development of more gentle approaches to obtain pure recombinant actin isoforms with known obligate modifications. This review summarizes the approaches that can be employed to isolate natively folded endogenous and recombinant actin from tissues and cells. We further emphasize the use and limitations of each method and describe how these methods can be implemented to study actin PTMs, disease-related actin mutations and novel actin-like proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Kast
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, United States.
| | - Silvia Jansen
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, United States.
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16
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Martin JL, Khan A, Grintsevich EE. Actin Isoform Composition and Binding Factors Fine-Tune Regulatory Impact of Mical Enzymes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16651. [PMID: 38068973 PMCID: PMC10705957 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mical family enzymes are unusual actin regulators that prime filaments (F-actin) for disassembly via the site-specific oxidation of M44/M47. Filamentous actin acts as a substrate of Mical enzymes, as well as an activator of their NADPH oxidase activity, which leads to hydrogen peroxide generation. Mical enzymes are required for cytokinesis, muscle and heart development, dendritic pruning, and axonal guidance, among other processes. Thus, it is critical to understand how this family of actin regulators functions in different cell types. Vertebrates express six actin isoforms in a cell-specific manner, but MICALs' impact on their intrinsic properties has never been systematically investigated. Our data reveal the differences in the intrinsic dynamics of Mical-oxidized actin isoforms. Furthermore, our results connect the intrinsic dynamics of actin isoforms and their redox state with the patterns of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation by MICALs. We documented that the differential properties of actin isoforms translate into the distinct patterns of hydrogen peroxide generation in Mical/NADPH-containing systems. Moreover, our results establish a conceptual link between actin stabilization by interacting factors and its ability to activate MICALs' NADPH oxidase activity. Altogether, our results suggest that the regulatory impact of MICALs may differ depending on the isoform-related identities of local actin networks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elena E. Grintsevich
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), Long Beach, CA 90840, USA
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17
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Chang YH. Impact of Protein N α-Modifications on Cellular Functions and Human Health. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1613. [PMID: 37511988 PMCID: PMC10381334 DOI: 10.3390/life13071613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Most human proteins are modified by enzymes that act on the α-amino group of a newly synthesized polypeptide. Methionine aminopeptidases can remove the initiator methionine and expose the second amino acid for further modification by enzymes responsible for myristoylation, acetylation, methylation, or other chemical reactions. Specific acetyltransferases can also modify the initiator methionine and sometimes the acetylated methionine can be removed, followed by further modifications. These modifications at the protein N-termini play critical roles in cellular protein localization, protein-protein interaction, protein-DNA interaction, and protein stability. Consequently, the dysregulation of these modifications could significantly change the development and progression status of certain human diseases. The focus of this review is to highlight recent progress in our understanding of the roles of these modifications in regulating protein functions and how these enzymes have been used as potential novel therapeutic targets for various human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yie-Hwa Chang
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University Medical School, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA
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18
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Abstract
Most proteins receive an acetyl group at the N terminus while in their nascency as the result of modification by co-translationally acting N-terminal acetyltransferases (NATs). The N-terminal acetyl group can influence several aspects of protein functionality. From studies of NAT-lacking cells, it is evident that several cellular processes are affected by this modification. More recently, an increasing number of genetic cases have demonstrated that N-terminal acetylation has crucial roles in human physiology and pathology. In this Cell Science at a Glance and the accompanying poster, we provide an overview of the human NAT enzymes and their properties, substrate coverage, cellular roles and connections to human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henriette Aksnes
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Nina McTiernan
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Thomas Arnesen
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, 5009 Bergen, Norway
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19
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Myklebust LM, Baumann M, Støve SI, Foyn H, Arnesen T, Haug BE. Optimized bisubstrate inhibitors for the actin N-terminal acetyltransferase NAA80. Front Chem 2023; 11:1202501. [PMID: 37408560 PMCID: PMC10318143 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1202501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acetylation of protein N-termini is one of the most common protein modifications in the eukaryotic cell and is catalyzed by the N-terminal acetyltransferase family of enzymes. The N-terminal acetyltransferase NAA80 is expressed in the animal kingdom and was recently found to specifically N-terminally acetylate actin, which is the main component of the microfilament system. This unique animal cell actin processing is essential for the maintenance of cell integrity and motility. Actin is the only known substrate of NAA80, thus potent inhibitors of NAA80 could prove as important tool compounds to study the crucial roles of actin and how NAA80 regulates this by N-terminal acetylation. Herein we describe a systematic study toward optimizing the peptide part of a bisubstrate-based NAA80 inhibitor comprising of coenzyme A conjugated onto the N-terminus of a tetrapeptide amide via an acetyl linker. By testing various combinations of Asp and Glu which are found at the N-termini of β- and γ-actin, respectively, CoA-Ac-EDDI-NH2 was identified as the best inhibitor with an IC50 value of 120 nM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Markus Baumann
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Pharmacy, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Svein I. Støve
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Håvard Foyn
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Thomas Arnesen
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bengt Erik Haug
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Pharmacy, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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20
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Ceramella J, Iacopetta D, Caruso A, Mariconda A, Petrou A, Geronikaki A, Rosano C, Saturnino C, Catalano A, Longo P, Sinicropi MS. 5,8-Dimethyl-9H-carbazole Derivatives Blocking hTopo I Activity and Actin Dynamics. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030353. [PMID: 36986453 PMCID: PMC10051477 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the years, carbazoles have been largely studied for their numerous biological properties, including antibacterial, antimalarial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, anticancer, and many more. Some of them have gained great interest for their anticancer activity in breast cancer due to their capability in inhibiting essential DNA-dependent enzymes, namely topoisomerases I and II. With this in mind, we studied the anticancer activity of a series of carbazole derivatives against two breast cancer cell lines, namely the triple negative MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. Compounds 3 and 4 were found to be the most active towards the MDA-MB-231 cell line without interfering with the normal counterpart. Using docking simulations, we assessed the ability of these carbazole derivatives to bind human topoisomerases I and II and actin. In vitro specific assays confirmed that the lead compounds selectively inhibited the human topoisomerase I and interfered with the normal organization of the actin system, triggering apoptosis as a final effect. Thus, compounds 3 and 4 are strong candidates for further drug development in multi-targeted therapy for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer, for which safe therapeutic regimens are not yet available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Ceramella
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Domenico Iacopetta
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0984-493200
| | - Anna Caruso
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | | | - Anthi Petrou
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athina Geronikaki
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Camillo Rosano
- U.O. Proteomica e Spettrometria di Massa, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 1632 Genova, Italy
| | - Carmela Saturnino
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Pasquale Longo
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
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21
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Arnesen T, Aksnes H. Actin finally matures: uncovering machinery and impact. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:414-416. [PMID: 36804256 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Actin, one of the most abundant proteins in nature and a key component of the cytoskeleton, undergoes a unique multistep N-terminal (Nt) maturation. In a recent report, Haahr et al. identified actin maturation protease (ACTMAP) as the dedicated actin aminopeptidase and showed that its absence is associated with abnormal muscle physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Arnesen
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Henriette Aksnes
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
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22
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Chin SM, Hatano T, Sivashanmugam L, Suchenko A, Kashina AS, Balasubramanian MK, Jansen S. N-terminal acetylation and arginylation of actin determines the architecture and assembly rate of linear and branched actin networks. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102518. [PMID: 36152749 PMCID: PMC9597890 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The great diversity in actin network architectures and dynamics is exploited by cells to drive fundamental biological processes, including cell migration, endocytosis, and cell division. While it is known that this versatility is the result of the many actin-remodeling activities of actin-binding proteins, such as Arp2/3 and cofilin, recent work also implicates posttranslational acetylation or arginylation of the actin N terminus itself as an equally important regulatory mechanism. However, the molecular mechanisms by which acetylation and arginylation alter the properties of actin are not well understood. Here, we directly compare how processing and modification of the N terminus of actin affects its intrinsic polymerization dynamics and its remodeling by actin-binding proteins that are essential for cell migration. We find that in comparison to acetylated actin, arginylated actin reduces intrinsic as well as formin-mediated elongation and Arp2/3-mediated nucleation. By contrast, there are no significant differences in cofilin-mediated severing. Taken together, these results suggest that cells can employ these differently modified actins to regulate actin dynamics. In addition, unprocessed actin with an N-terminal methionine residue shows very different effects on formin-mediated elongation, Arp2/3-mediated nucleation, and severing by cofilin. Altogether, this study shows that the nature of the N terminus of actin can promote distinct actin network dynamics, which can be differentially used by cells to locally finetune actin dynamics at distinct cellular locations, such as at the leading edge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Chin
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Tomoyuki Hatano
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology and Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Lavanya Sivashanmugam
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology and Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Andrejus Suchenko
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology and Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Anna S Kashina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mohan K Balasubramanian
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology and Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Silvia Jansen
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.
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23
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A solution to the long-standing problem of actin expression and purification. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2209150119. [PMID: 36197995 PMCID: PMC9565351 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2209150119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Actin is the most abundant protein in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells and interacts with hundreds of proteins to perform essential functions, including cell motility and cytokinesis. Numerous diseases are caused by mutations in actin, but studying the biochemistry of actin mutants is difficult without a reliable method to obtain recombinant actin. Moreover, biochemical studies have typically used tissue-purified α-actin, whereas humans express six isoforms that are nearly identical but perform specialized functions and are difficult to obtain in isolation from natural sources. Here, we describe a solution to the problem of actin expression and purification. We obtain high yields of actin isoforms in human Expi293F cells. Experiments along the multistep purification protocol demonstrate the removal of endogenous actin and the functional integrity of recombinant actin isoforms. Proteomics analysis of endogenous vs. recombinant actin isoforms confirms the presence of native posttranslational modifications, including N-terminal acetylation achieved after affinity-tag removal using the actin-specific enzyme Naa80. The method described facilitates studies of actin under fully native conditions to determine differences among isoforms and the effects of disease-causing mutations that occur in all six isoforms.
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24
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Haahr P, Galli RA, van den Hengel LG, Bleijerveld OB, Kazokaitė-Adomaitienė J, Song JY, Kroese LJ, Krimpenfort P, Baltissen MP, Vermeulen M, Ottenheijm CAC, Brummelkamp TR. Actin maturation requires the ACTMAP/C19orf54 protease. Science 2022; 377:1533-1537. [PMID: 36173861 DOI: 10.1126/science.abq5082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Protein synthesis generally starts with a methionine that is removed during translation. However, cytoplasmic actin defies this rule because its synthesis involves noncanonical excision of the acetylated methionine by an unidentified enzyme after translation. Here, we identified C19orf54, named ACTMAP (actin maturation protease), as this enzyme. Its ablation resulted in viable mice in which the cytoskeleton was composed of immature actin molecules across all tissues. However, in skeletal muscle, the lengths of sarcomeric actin filaments were shorter, muscle function was decreased, and centralized nuclei, a common hallmark of myopathies, progressively accumulated. Thus, ACTMAP encodes the missing factor required for the synthesis of mature actin and regulates specific actin-dependent traits in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Haahr
- Division of Biochemistry, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066CX Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (NNF-CPR), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ricardo A Galli
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC (VUmc), 1081HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lisa G van den Hengel
- Division of Biochemistry, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066CX Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Oncode Institute, Division of Biochemistry, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066CX Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Onno B Bleijerveld
- Proteomics Facility, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066CX Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Ji-Ying Song
- Animal Pathology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066CX Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lona J Kroese
- Animal Modeling Facility, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066CX Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Paul Krimpenfort
- Animal Modeling Facility, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066CX Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marijke P Baltissen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525GA Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Michiel Vermeulen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525GA Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Coen A C Ottenheijm
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC (VUmc), 1081HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Thijn R Brummelkamp
- Division of Biochemistry, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066CX Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Oncode Institute, Division of Biochemistry, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066CX Amsterdam, Netherlands
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25
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Chen L, Vedula P, Tang HY, Dong DW, Kashina AS. Differential N-terminal processing of beta and gamma actin. iScience 2022; 25:105186. [PMID: 36248738 PMCID: PMC9556930 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytoplasmic beta- and gamma-actin are ubiquitously expressed in every eukaryotic cell. They are encoded by different genes, but their amino acid sequences differ only by four conservative substitutions at the N-termini, making it difficult to dissect their individual regulation. Here, we analyzed actin from cultured cells and tissues by mass spectrometry and found that beta, unlike gamma actin, undergoes sequential removal of N-terminal Asp residues, leading to truncated actin species found in both F- and G-actin preparations. This processing affects up to ∼3% of beta actin in different cell types. We used CRISPR/Cas-9 in cultured cells to delete two candidate enzymes capable of mediating this type of processing. This deletion abolishes most of the beta actin N-terminal processing and results in changes in F-actin levels, cell spreading, filopodia formation, and cell migration. Our results demonstrate previously unknown isoform-specific actin regulation that can potentially affect actin functions in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Pavan Vedula
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Dawei W. Dong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Anna S. Kashina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA,Corresponding author
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26
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Weidenhausen J, Kopp J, Ruger-Herreros C, Stein F, Haberkant P, Lapouge K, Sinning I. Extended N-Terminal Acetyltransferase Naa50 in Filamentous Fungi Adds to Naa50 Diversity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810805. [PMID: 36142717 PMCID: PMC9500918 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Most eukaryotic proteins are N-terminally acetylated by a set of Nα acetyltransferases (NATs). This ancient and ubiquitous modification plays a fundamental role in protein homeostasis, while mutations are linked to human diseases and phenotypic defects. In particular, Naa50 features species-specific differences, as it is inactive in yeast but active in higher eukaryotes. Together with NatA, it engages in NatE complex formation for cotranslational acetylation. Here, we report Naa50 homologs from the filamentous fungi Chaetomium thermophilum and Neurospora crassa with significant N- and C-terminal extensions to the conserved GNAT domain. Structural and biochemical analyses show that CtNaa50 shares the GNAT structure and substrate specificity with other homologs. However, in contrast to previously analyzed Naa50 proteins, it does not form NatE. The elongated N-terminus increases Naa50 thermostability and binds to dynein light chain protein 1, while our data suggest that conserved positive patches in the C-terminus allow for ribosome binding independent of NatA. Our study provides new insights into the many facets of Naa50 and highlights the diversification of NATs during evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Weidenhausen
- Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center (BZH), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Kopp
- Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center (BZH), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carmen Ruger-Herreros
- Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center (BZH), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Molecular Biology of the University of Heidelberg (ZMBH), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Stein
- Proteomics Core Facility, EMBL Heidelberg, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Per Haberkant
- Proteomics Core Facility, EMBL Heidelberg, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karine Lapouge
- Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center (BZH), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Protein Expression and Purification Core Facility, EMBL Heidelberg, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Irmgard Sinning
- Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center (BZH), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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27
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Mariconda A, Iacopetta D, Sirignano M, Ceramella J, Costabile C, Pellegrino M, Rosano C, Catalano A, Saturnino C, El‐Kashef H, Aquaro S, Sinicropi MS, Longo P. N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) Silver Complexes as Versatile Chemotherapeutic Agents Targeting Human Topoisomerases and Actin. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200345. [PMID: 35904129 PMCID: PMC9804882 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the number of people suffering from cancer has risen rapidly and the World Health Organization and U.S. and European governments have identified this pathology as a priority issue. It is known that most bioactive anticancer molecules do not target a single protein but exert pleiotropic effects, simultaneously affecting multiple pathways. In our study, we designed and synthesized a new series of silver N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes [(NHC)2 Ag]+ [AgX2 ]- (X=iodide or acetate). The new complexes were active against two human breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. These compounds showed multiple target actions as anticancer, by inhibiting in vitro the activity of the human topoisomerases I and II and interfering with the cytoskeleton dynamic, as also confirmed by in silico studies. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of these silver complexes was studied against Gram-positive/negative bacteria. These dual properties provide a two-tiered approach, making these compounds of interest to be further deepened for the development of new chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annaluisa Mariconda
- Department of ScienceUniversity of BasilicataViale dell'Ateneo Lucano 1085100PotenzaItaly
| | - Domenico Iacopetta
- Department of PharmacyHealthand Nutritional SciencesUniversity of CalabriaVia Pietro Bucci87036Arcavacata diRendeItaly
| | - Marco Sirignano
- Department of Chemistry and BiologyUniversity of SalernoVia Giovanni Paolo II, 132Fisciano84084Italy
| | - Jessica Ceramella
- Department of PharmacyHealthand Nutritional SciencesUniversity of CalabriaVia Pietro Bucci87036Arcavacata diRendeItaly
| | - Chiara Costabile
- Department of Chemistry and BiologyUniversity of SalernoVia Giovanni Paolo II, 132Fisciano84084Italy
| | - Michele Pellegrino
- Department of PharmacyHealthand Nutritional SciencesUniversity of CalabriaVia Pietro Bucci87036Arcavacata diRendeItaly
| | - Camillo Rosano
- Biopolymers and Proteomics IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino – ISTLargo R. Benzi 1016132GenovaItaly
| | - Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug SciencesUniversity of Bari “Aldo Moro”Via Edoardo Orabona 470126BariItaly
| | - Carmela Saturnino
- Department of ScienceUniversity of BasilicataViale dell'Ateneo Lucano 1085100PotenzaItaly
| | | | - Stefano Aquaro
- Department of PharmacyHealthand Nutritional SciencesUniversity of CalabriaVia Pietro Bucci87036Arcavacata diRendeItaly
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Department of PharmacyHealthand Nutritional SciencesUniversity of CalabriaVia Pietro Bucci87036Arcavacata diRendeItaly
| | - Pasquale Longo
- Department of Chemistry and BiologyUniversity of SalernoVia Giovanni Paolo II, 132Fisciano84084Italy
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A Resveratrol Phenylacetamide Derivative Perturbs the Cytoskeleton Dynamics Interfering with the Migration Potential in Breast Cancer. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12136531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy is commonly used for cancer treatment, however the lack of selectivity on healthy cells and the development of resistance phenomena are the major issues. A better understanding of cancer genetics helped the development of new targeted anticancer treatments, which permit drug delivery with high specificity and lower toxicity. Moreover, the multi-target drug design concept represents the current trend for future drug research and development. Starting from good results previously obtained by our research group on the resveratrol (RSV) phenylacetamide derivative 2, which displayed an interesting anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activity towards the breast cancer cells MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, we identified other features, as the ability to perturb the cytoskeleton dynamics and interfere with the migration and metastatic processes. In vitro and in silico studies demonstrate that the derivative 2 is a tubulin and actin polymerization inhibitor and an actin depolymerization promotor. In addition, it interferes with the metastatic potential in both the breast cancer cells, inhibiting the in vitro cell migration and decreasing the spheroids number. These promising results demonstrate that the RSV phenylacetamide derivative 2 could be an important starting point in the discovery and development of safer and more efficacy multi-targeted agents.
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Ceramella J, Mariconda A, Sirignano M, Iacopetta D, Rosano C, Catalano A, Saturnino C, Sinicropi MS, Longo P. Novel Au Carbene Complexes as Promising Multi-Target Agents in Breast Cancer Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:507. [PMID: 35631334 PMCID: PMC9146163 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, metal complexes based on N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have attracted great attention due to their wide and exciting applications in material sciences and medicinal chemistry. In particular, the gold-based complexes are the focus of research efforts for the development of new anticancer compounds. Literature data and recent results, obtained by our research group, reported the design, the synthesis and the good anticancer activity of some silver and gold complexes with NHC ligands. In particular, some of these complexes were active towards some breast cancer cell lines. Considering this evidence, here we report some new Au-NHC complexes prepared in order to improve solubility and biological activity. Among them, the compounds 1 and 6 showed an interesting anticancer activity towards the breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines, respectively. In addition, in vitro and in silico studies demonstrated that they were able to inhibit the activity of the human topoisomerases I and II and the actin polymerization reaction. Moreover, a downregulation of vimentin expression and a reduced translocation of NF-kB into the nucleus was observed. The interference with these vital cell structures induced breast cancer cells' death by triggering the extrinsic apoptotic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Ceramella
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (J.C.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Annaluisa Mariconda
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (A.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Marco Sirignano
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (M.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Domenico Iacopetta
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (J.C.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Camillo Rosano
- U.O. Proteomica e Spettrometria di Massa, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 1632 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy;
| | - Carmela Saturnino
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (A.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (J.C.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Pasquale Longo
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (M.S.); (P.L.)
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30
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Nie K, Huang J, Liu L, Lv H, Chen D, Fan W. Identification of a De Novo Heterozygous Missense ACTB Variant in Baraitser–Winter Cerebrofrontofacial Syndrome. Front Genet 2022; 13:828120. [PMID: 35401677 PMCID: PMC8989421 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.828120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Baraitser–Winter cerebrofrontofacial syndrome (BWCFF, OMIM: 243310) is a rare autosomal-dominant developmental disorder associated with variants in the genes ACTB or ACTG1. It is characterized by brain malformations, a distinctive facial appearance, ocular coloboma, and intellectual disability. However, the phenotypes of BWCFF are heterogenous, and its molecular pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we conducted detailed clinical examinations on a Chinese patient with BWCFF and found novel ocular manifestations including pseudoduplication of the optic disc and nystagmus. Targeted gene panel sequencing and Sanger sequencing identified a de novo heterozygous missense c.478A > G (p.Thr160Ala) variant in ACTB. The mRNA and protein expression of ACTB was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR and Western blots. Furthermore, the functional effects of the pathogenic variant were analyzed by protein structure analysis, which indicated that the variant may affect the active site for ATP hydrolysis by the actin ATPase, resulting in abnormal filamentous actin organization in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. This discovery extends the ACTB variant spectrum, which will improve genetic counseling and diagnosis, and may contribute to understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of actin-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailai Nie
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junting Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Longqian Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongbin Lv
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Danian Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Fan, ; Danian Chen,
| | - Wei Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Fan, ; Danian Chen,
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31
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Drazic A, Timmerman E, Kajan U, Marie M, Varland S, Impens F, Gevaert K, Arnesen T. The Final Maturation State of β-actin Involves N-terminal Acetylation by NAA80, not N-terminal Arginylation by ATE1. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167397. [PMID: 34896361 PMCID: PMC7613935 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Actin is a hallmark protein of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells, affecting a range of cellular functions. Actin dynamics is regulated through a myriad of actin-binding proteins and post-translational modifications. The mammalian actin family consists of six different isoforms, which vary slightly in their N-terminal (Nt) sequences. During and after synthesis, actins undergo an intricate Nt-processing that yields mature actin isoforms. The ubiquitously expressed cytoplasmic β-actin is Nt-acetylated by N-alpha acetyltransferase 80 (NAA80) yielding the Nt-sequence Ac-DDDI-. In addition, β-actin was also reported to be Nt-arginylated by arginyltransferase 1 (ATE1) after further peptidase-mediated processing, yielding RDDI-. To characterize in detail the Nt-processing of actin, we used state-of-the-art proteomics. To estimate the relative cellular levels of Nt-modified proteoforms of actin, we employed NAA80-lacking cells, in which actin was not Nt-acetylated. We found that targeted proteomics is superior to a commercially available antibody previously used to analyze Nt-arginylation of β-actin. Significantly, despite the use of sensitive mass spectrometry-based techniques, we could not confirm the existence of the previously claimed Nt-arginylated β-actin (RDDI-) in either wildtype or NAA80-lacking cells. A very minor level of Nt-arginylation of the initially cleaved β-actin (DDDI-) could be identified, but only in NAA80-lacking cells, not in wildtype cells. We also identified small fractions of cleaved and unmodified β-actin (DDI-) as well as cleaved and Nt-acetylated β-actin (Ac-DDI-). In sum, we show that the multi-step Nt-maturation of β-actin is terminated by NAA80, which Nt-acetylates the exposed Nt-Asp residues, in the virtual absence of previously claimed Nt-arginylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Drazic
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, N-5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Evy Timmerman
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; VIB Proteomics Core, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ulrike Kajan
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, N-5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Michaël Marie
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, N-5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Sylvia Varland
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, N-5020 Bergen, Norway; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, N-5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Francis Impens
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; VIB Proteomics Core, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kris Gevaert
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thomas Arnesen
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, N-5020 Bergen, Norway; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, N-5020 Bergen, Norway; Department of Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, N-5021 Bergen, Norway.
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32
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Duong HTT, Suzuki H, Katagiri S, Shibata M, Arai M, Yura K. Computational study of the impact of nucleotide variations on highly conserved proteins: In the case of actin. Biophys Physicobiol 2022; 19:e190025. [PMID: 36160324 PMCID: PMC9465404 DOI: 10.2142/biophysico.bppb-v19.0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Sequencing of individual human genomes enables studying relationship among nucleotide variations, amino acid substitutions, effect on protein structures and diseases. Many studies have found general tendencies, for instance, that pathogenic variations tend to be found in the buried regions of the protein structures, that benign variations tend to be found on the surface of the proteins, and that variations on evolutionary conserved residues tend to be pathogenic. These tendencies were deduced from globular proteins with standard evolutionary changes in amino acid sequences. In this study, we investigated the variation distribution on actin, one of the highly conserved proteins. Many nucleotide variations and three-dimensional structures of actin have been registered in databases. By combining those data, we found that variations buried inside the protein were rather benign and variations on the surface of the protein were pathogenic. This idiosyncratic distribution of the variation impact is likely ascribed to the extensive use of the surface of the protein for protein-protein interactions in actin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha T. T. Duong
- Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University
| | - Hirofumi Suzuki
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University
| | - Saki Katagiri
- Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University
| | - Mayu Shibata
- Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University
| | - Misae Arai
- Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University
| | - Kei Yura
- Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University
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33
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Belyy A, Merino F, Mechold U, Raunser S. Mechanism of actin-dependent activation of nucleotidyl cyclase toxins from bacterial human pathogens. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6628. [PMID: 34785651 PMCID: PMC8595890 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26889-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial human pathogens secrete initially inactive nucleotidyl cyclases that become potent enzymes by binding to actin inside eukaryotic host cells. The underlying molecular mechanism of this activation is, however, unclear. Here, we report structures of ExoY from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Vibrio vulnificus bound to their corresponding activators F-actin and profilin-G-actin. The structures reveal that in contrast to the apo-state, two flexible regions become ordered and interact strongly with actin. The specific stabilization of these regions results in an allosteric stabilization of the nucleotide binding pocket and thereby to an activation of the enzyme. Differences in the sequence and conformation of the actin-binding regions are responsible for the selective binding to either F- or G-actin. Other nucleotidyl cyclase toxins that bind to calmodulin rather than actin undergo a similar disordered-to-ordered transition during activation, suggesting that the allosteric activation-by-stabilization mechanism of ExoY is conserved in these enzymes, albeit the different activator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Belyy
- Department of Structural Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 11, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Felipe Merino
- Department of Structural Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 11, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
- Department of Protein Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Max-Planck-Ring 5, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Undine Mechold
- Unité de Biochimie des Interactions Macromoléculaires, Département de Biologie Structurale et Chimie, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3528, Paris, France
| | - Stefan Raunser
- Department of Structural Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 11, 44227, Dortmund, Germany.
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34
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Hydroxylation of the Acetyltransferase NAA10 Trp38 Is Not an Enzyme-Switch in Human Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111805. [PMID: 34769235 PMCID: PMC8583962 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
NAA10 is a major N-terminal acetyltransferase (NAT) that catalyzes the cotranslational N-terminal (Nt-) acetylation of 40% of the human proteome. Several reports of lysine acetyltransferase (KAT) activity by NAA10 exist, but others have not been able to find any NAA10-derived KAT activity, the latter of which is supported by structural studies. The KAT activity of NAA10 towards hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) was recently found to depend on the hydroxylation at Trp38 of NAA10 by factor inhibiting HIF-1α (FIH). In contrast, we could not detect hydroxylation of Trp38 of NAA10 in several human cell lines and found no evidence that NAA10 interacts with or is regulated by FIH. Our data suggest that NAA10 Trp38 hydroxylation is not a switch in human cells and that it alters its catalytic activity from a NAT to a KAT.
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35
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Muffels IJJ, Wiame E, Fuchs SA, Massink MPG, Rehmann H, Musch JLI, Van Haaften G, Vertommen D, van Schaftingen E, van Hasselt PM. NAA80 bi-allelic missense variants result in high-frequency hearing loss, muscle weakness and developmental delay. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab256. [PMID: 34805998 PMCID: PMC8599064 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent identification of NAA80/NAT6 as the enzyme that acetylates actins generated new insight into the process of post-translational actin modifications; however, the role of NAA80 in human physiology and pathology has not been clarified yet. We report two individuals from a single family harbouring a homozygous c.389T>C, p.(Leu130Pro) NAA80 genetic variant. Both individuals show progressive high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss, craniofacial dysmorphisms, developmental delay and mild proximal and axial muscle weakness. Based on the molecular structure, we predicted and confirmed the NAA80 c.389T>C, p.(Leu130Pro) variant to result in protein destabilization, causing severely decreased NAA80 protein availability. Concurrently, individuals exhibited a ∼50% decrease of actin acetylation. NAA80 individual derived fibroblasts and peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed increased migration, increased filopodia counts and increased levels of polymerized actin, in agreement with previous observations in NAA80 knock-out cells. Furthermore, the significant clinical overlap between NAA80 individuals and individuals with pathogenic variants in several actin subtypes reflects the general importance of controlled actin dynamics for the inner ear, brain and muscle. Taken together, we describe a new syndrome, caused by NAA80 genetic variants leading to decreased actin acetylation and disrupted associated molecular functions. Our work suggests a crucial role for NAA80-mediated actin dynamics in neuronal health, muscle health and hearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena J J Muffels
- Department of Metabolic Diseases, Division of Pediatrics, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 EA Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Elsa Wiame
- Laboratoire de biologie moléculaire, UCLouvain-Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sabine A Fuchs
- Department of Metabolic Diseases, Division of Pediatrics, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 EA Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten P G Massink
- Department of Genetics, Section of Genome Diagnostics, Division Laboratories, Pharmacy and Biomedical Genetics, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Holger Rehmann
- Department of Energy and Biotechnology, Flensburg University of Applied Sciences, 24943 Flensburg, Germany
| | - Jiska L I Musch
- Department of Metabolic Diseases, Division of Pediatrics, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 EA Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gijs Van Haaften
- Department of Genetics, Division Laboratories, Pharmacy and Biomedical Genetics, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Didier Vertommen
- Mass Spectrometry Platform, de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Emile van Schaftingen
- Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, De Duve Institute, UCLouvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter M van Hasselt
- Department of Metabolic Diseases, Division of Pediatrics, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 EA Utrecht, the Netherlands
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36
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Chen L, Kashina A. Post-translational Modifications of the Protein Termini. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:719590. [PMID: 34395449 PMCID: PMC8358657 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.719590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTM) involve enzyme-mediated covalent addition of functional groups to proteins during or after synthesis. These modifications greatly increase biological complexity and are responsible for orders of magnitude change between the variety of proteins encoded in the genome and the variety of their biological functions. Many of these modifications occur at the protein termini, which contain reactive amino- and carboxy-groups of the polypeptide chain and often are pre-primed through the actions of cellular machinery to expose highly reactive residues. Such modifications have been known for decades, but only a few of them have been functionally characterized. The vast majority of eukaryotic proteins are N- and C-terminally modified by acetylation, arginylation, tyrosination, lipidation, and many others. Post-translational modifications of the protein termini have been linked to different normal and disease-related processes and constitute a rapidly emerging area of biological regulation. Here we highlight recent progress in our understanding of post-translational modifications of the protein termini and outline the role that these modifications play in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Kashina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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MacTaggart B, Kashina A. Posttranslational modifications of the cytoskeleton. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2021; 78:142-173. [PMID: 34152688 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The cytoskeleton plays important roles in many essential processes at the cellular and organismal levels, including cell migration and motility, cell division, and the establishment and maintenance of cell and tissue architecture. In order to facilitate these varied functions, the main cytoskeletal components-microtubules, actin filaments, and intermediate filaments-must form highly diverse intracellular arrays in different subcellular areas and cell types. The question of how this diversity is conferred has been the focus of research for decades. One key mechanism is the addition of posttranslational modifications (PTMs) to the major cytoskeletal proteins. This posttranslational addition of various chemical groups dramatically increases the complexity of the cytoskeletal proteome and helps facilitate major global and local cytoskeletal functions. Cytoskeletal proteins undergo many PTMs, most of which are not well understood. Recent technological advances in proteomics and cell biology have allowed for the in-depth study of individual PTMs and their functions in the cytoskeleton. Here, we provide an overview of the major PTMs that occur on the main structural components of the three cytoskeletal systems-tubulin, actin, and intermediate filament proteins-and highlight the cellular function of these modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany MacTaggart
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anna Kashina
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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38
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N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Gold(I) Complexes Targeting Actin Polymerization. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11125626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Transition metal complexes are attracting attention because of their various chemical and biological properties. In particular, the NHC-gold complexes represent a productive field of research in medicinal chemistry, mostly as anticancer tools, displaying a broad range of targets. In addition to the already known biological targets, recently, an important activity in the organization of the cell cytoskeleton was discovered. In this paper, we demonstrated that two NHC-gold complexes (namely AuL4 and AuL7) possessing good anticancer activity and multi-target properties, as stated in our previous studies, play a major role in regulating the actin polymerization, by the means of in silico and in vitro assays. Using immunofluorescence and direct enzymatic assays, we proved that both the complexes inhibited the actin polymerization reaction without promoting the depolymerization of actin filaments. Our outcomes may contribute toward deepening the knowledge of NHC-gold complexes, with the objective of producing more effective and safer drugs for treating cancer diseases.
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Cancer type-specific alterations in actin genes: Worth a closer look? INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 360:133-184. [PMID: 33962749 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2021.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Actins form a strongly conserved family of proteins that are central to the functioning of the actin cytoskeleton partaking in natural processes such as cell division, adhesion, contraction and migration. These processes, however, also occur during the various phases of cancer progression. Yet, surprisingly, alterations in the six human actin genes in cancer studies have received little attention and the focus was mostly on deregulated expression levels of actins and even more so of actin-binding or regulatory proteins. Starting from the early mutation work in the 1980s, we propose based on reviewing literature and data from patient cancer genomes that alterations in actin genes are different in distinct cancer subtypes, suggesting some specificity. These actin gene alterations include (missense) mutations, gene fusions and copy number alterations (deletions and amplifications) and we illustrate their occurrence for a limited number of examples including actin mutations in lymphoid cancers and nonmelanoma skin cancer and actin gene copy number alterations for breast, prostate and liver cancers. A challenge in the future will be to further sort out the specificity per actin gene, alteration type and cancer subtype. Even more challenging is (experimentally) distinguishing between cause and consequence: which alterations are passengers and which are involved in tumor progression of particular cancer subtypes?
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40
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Human NAA30 can rescue yeast mak3∆ mutant growth phenotypes. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:227865. [PMID: 33600573 PMCID: PMC7938456 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20202828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
N-terminal acetylation is an irreversible protein modification that primarily occurs co-translationally, and is catalyzed by a highly conserved family of N-terminal acetyltransferases (NATs). The NatC complex (NAA30–NAA35–NAA38) is a major NAT enzyme, which was first described in yeast and estimated to N-terminally acetylate ∼20% of the proteome. The activity of NatC is crucial for the correct functioning of its substrates, which include translocation to the Golgi apparatus, the inner nuclear membrane as well as proper mitochondrial function. We show in comparative viability and growth assays that yeast cells lacking MAK3/NAA30 grow poorly in non-fermentable carbon sources and other stress conditions. By using two different experimental approaches and two yeast strains, we show that liquid growth assays are the method of choice when analyzing subtle growth defects, keeping loss of information to a minimum. We further demonstrate that human NAA30 can functionally replace yeast MAK3/NAA30. However, this depends on the genetic background of the yeast strain. These findings indicate that the function of MAK3/NAA30 is evolutionarily conserved from yeast to human. Our yeast system provides a powerful approach to study potential human NAA30 variants using a high-throughput liquid growth assay with various stress conditions.
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Krtenic B, Drazic A, Arnesen T, Reuter N. Classification and phylogeny for the annotation of novel eukaryotic GNAT acetyltransferases. PLoS Comput Biol 2020; 16:e1007988. [PMID: 33362253 PMCID: PMC7790372 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The enzymes of the GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) superfamily count more than 870 000 members through all kingdoms of life and share the same structural fold. GNAT enzymes transfer an acyl moiety from acyl coenzyme A to a wide range of substrates including aminoglycosides, serotonin, glucosamine-6-phosphate, protein N-termini and lysine residues of histones and other proteins. The GNAT subtype of protein N-terminal acetyltransferases (NATs) alone targets a majority of all eukaryotic proteins stressing the omnipresence of the GNAT enzymes. Despite the highly conserved GNAT fold, sequence similarity is quite low between members of this superfamily even when substrates are similar. Furthermore, this superfamily is phylogenetically not well characterized. Thus functional annotation based on sequence similarity is unreliable and strongly hampered for thousands of GNAT members that remain biochemically uncharacterized. Here we used sequence similarity networks to map the sequence space and propose a new classification for eukaryotic GNAT acetyltransferases. Using the new classification, we built a phylogenetic tree, representing the entire GNAT acetyltransferase superfamily. Our results show that protein NATs have evolved more than once on the GNAT acetylation scaffold. We use our classification to predict the function of uncharacterized sequences and verify by in vitro protein assays that two fungal genes encode NAT enzymes targeting specific protein N-terminal sequences, showing that even slight changes on the GNAT fold can lead to change in substrate specificity. In addition to providing a new map of the relationship between eukaryotic acetyltransferases the classification proposed constitutes a tool to improve functional annotation of GNAT acetyltransferases. Enzymes of the GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) superfamily transfer an acetyl group from one molecule to another. This reaction is called acetylation and is one of the most common reactions inside the cell. The GNAT superfamily counts more than 870 000 members through all kingdoms of life. Despite sharing the same fold the GNAT superfamily is very diverse in terms of amino acid sequence and substrates. The eight N-terminal acetyltransferases (NatA, NatB, etc.. to NatH) are a GNAT subtype which acetylates the free amine group of polypeptide chains. This modification is called N-terminal acetylation and is one of the most abundant protein modifications in eukaryotic cells. This subtype is also characterized by a high sequence diversity even though they share the same substrate. In addition, the phylogeny of the superfamily is not characterized. This hampers functional annotation based on sequence similarity, and discovery of novel NATs. In this work we set out to solve the problem of the classification of eukaryotic GCN5-related acetyltransferases and report the first classification framework of the superfamily. This framework can be used as a tool for annotation of all GCN5-related acetyltransferases. As an example of what can be achieved we report in this paper the computational prediction and in vitro verification of the function of two previously uncharacterized N-terminal acetyltransferases. We also report the first acetyltransferase phylogenetic tree of the GCN5 superfamily. It indicates that N-terminal acetyltransferases do not constitute one homogeneous protein family, but that the ability to bind and acetylate protein N-termini had evolved more than once on the same acetylation scaffold. We also show that even small changes in key positions can lead to altered enzyme specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojan Krtenic
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Norway
- Computational Biology Unit, Department of Informatics, University of Bergen, Norway
- * E-mail: (BK); (NR)
| | - Adrian Drazic
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Thomas Arnesen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Norway
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Norway
- Department of Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
| | - Nathalie Reuter
- Computational Biology Unit, Department of Informatics, University of Bergen, Norway
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen, Norway
- * E-mail: (BK); (NR)
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Ree R, Kind L, Kaziales A, Varland S, Dai M, Richter K, Drazic A, Arnesen T. PFN2 and NAA80 cooperate to efficiently acetylate the N-terminus of actin. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:16713-16731. [PMID: 32978259 PMCID: PMC7864067 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.015468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The actin cytoskeleton is of profound importance to cell shape, division, and intracellular force generation. Profilins bind to globular (G-)actin and regulate actin filament formation. Although profilins are well-established actin regulators, the distinct roles of the dominant profilin, profilin 1 (PFN1), versus the less abundant profilin 2 (PFN2) remain enigmatic. In this study, we use interaction proteomics to discover that PFN2 is an interaction partner of the actin N-terminal acetyltransferase NAA80, and further confirm this by analytical ultracentrifugation. Enzyme assays with NAA80 and different profilins demonstrate that PFN2 binding specifically increases the intrinsic catalytic activity of NAA80. NAA80 binds PFN2 through a proline-rich loop, deletion of which abrogates PFN2 binding. Small-angle X-ray scattering shows that NAA80, actin, and PFN2 form a ternary complex and that NAA80 has partly disordered regions in the N-terminus and the proline-rich loop, the latter of which is partly ordered upon PFN2 binding. Furthermore, binding of PFN2 to NAA80 via the proline-rich loop promotes binding between the globular domains of actin and NAA80, and thus acetylation of actin. However, the majority of cellular NAA80 is stably bound to PFN2 and not to actin, and we propose that this complex acetylates G-actin before it is incorporated into filaments. In conclusion, we reveal a functionally specific role of PFN2 as a stable interactor and regulator of the actin N-terminal acetyltransferase NAA80, and establish the modus operandi for NAA80-mediated actin N-terminal acetylation, a modification with a major impact on cytoskeletal dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasmus Ree
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Laura Kind
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anna Kaziales
- Department of Chemistry, Technische Universität München, Garching, Germany
| | - Sylvia Varland
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Minglu Dai
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Klaus Richter
- Department of Chemistry, Technische Universität München, Garching, Germany
| | - Adrian Drazic
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Thomas Arnesen
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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43
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Akıl C, Kitaoku Y, Tran LT, Liebl D, Choe H, Muengsaen D, Suginta W, Schulte A, Robinson RC. Mythical origins of the actin cytoskeleton. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2020; 68:55-63. [PMID: 33049465 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2020.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The origin of the eukaryotic cell is one of the greatest mysteries in modern biology. Eukaryotic-wide specific biological processes arose in the lost ancestors of eukaryotes. These distinctive features, such as the actin cytoskeleton, define what it is to be a eukaryote. Recent sequencing, characterization, and isolation of Asgard archaea have opened an intriguing window into the pre-eukaryotic cell. Firstly, sequencing of anaerobic sediments identified a group of uncultured organisms, Asgard archaea, which contain genes with homology to eukaryotic signature genes. Secondly, characterization of the products of these genes at the protein level demonstrated that Asgard archaea have related biological processes to eukaryotes. Finally, the isolation of an Asgard archaeon has produced a model organism in which the morphological consequences of the eukaryotic-like processes can be studied. Here, we consider the consequences for the Asgard actin cytoskeleton and for the evolution of a regulated actin system in the archaea-to-eukaryotic transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caner Akıl
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A∗STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Biopolis, 138673, Singapore; Tokyo Institute of Technology, Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI), Tokyo 152-8551, Japan
| | - Yoshihito Kitaoku
- Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (RIIS), Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Linh T Tran
- Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (RIIS), Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - David Liebl
- A∗STAR Microscopy Platform, Research Support Center, A∗STAR, Biopolis 138673, Singapore
| | - Han Choe
- Department of Physiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Duangkamon Muengsaen
- School of Biomolecular Science and Engineering (BSE), Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Rayong 21210, Thailand
| | - Wipa Suginta
- School of Biomolecular Science and Engineering (BSE), Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Rayong 21210, Thailand
| | - Albert Schulte
- School of Biomolecular Science and Engineering (BSE), Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Rayong 21210, Thailand
| | - Robert C Robinson
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A∗STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Biopolis, 138673, Singapore; Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (RIIS), Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; School of Biomolecular Science and Engineering (BSE), Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Rayong 21210, Thailand.
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44
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Koufaris C, Kirmizis A. N-Terminal Acetyltransferases Are Cancer-Essential Genes Prevalently Upregulated in Tumours. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2631. [PMID: 32942614 PMCID: PMC7565035 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
N-terminal acetylation (Nt-Ac) is an abundant eukaryotic protein modification, deposited in humans by one of seven N-terminal acetyltransferase (NAT) complexes composed of a catalytic and potentially auxiliary subunits. The involvement of NATs in cancers is being increasingly recognised, but a systematic cross-tumour assessment is currently lacking. To address this limitation, we conducted here a multi-omic data interrogation for NATs. We found that tumour genomic alterations of NATs or of their protein substrates are generally rare events, with some tumour-specific exceptions. In contrast, altered gene expression of NATs in cancers and their association with patient survival constitute a widespread cancer phenomenon. Examination of dependency screens revealed that (i), besides NAA60 and NAA80 and the NatA paralogues NAA11 and NAA16, the other ten NAT genes were within the top 80th percentile of the most dependent genes (ii); NATs act through distinct biological processes. NAA40 (NatD) emerged as a NAT with particularly interesting cancer biology and therapeutic potential, especially in liver cancer where a novel oncogenic role was supported by its increased expression in multiple studies and its association with patient survival. In conclusion, this study generated insights and data that will be of great assistance in guiding further research into the function and therapeutic potential of NATs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costas Koufaris
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Antonis Kirmizis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
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45
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Protein N-Terminal Acetylation: Structural Basis, Mechanism, Versatility, and Regulation. Trends Biochem Sci 2020; 46:15-27. [PMID: 32912665 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
N-terminal acetylation (NTA) is one of the most widespread protein modifications, which occurs on most eukaryotic proteins, but is significantly less common on bacterial and archaea proteins. This modification is carried out by a family of enzymes called N-terminal acetyltransferases (NATs). To date, 12 NATs have been identified, harboring different composition, substrate specificity, and in some cases, modes of regulation. Recent structural and biochemical analysis of NAT proteins allows for a comparison of their molecular mechanisms and modes of regulation, which are described here. Although sharing an evolutionarily conserved fold and related catalytic mechanism, each catalytic subunit uses unique elements to mediate substrate-specific activity, and use NAT-type specific auxiliary and regulatory subunits, for their cellular functions.
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46
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Boiero Sanders M, Antkowiak A, Michelot A. Diversity from similarity: cellular strategies for assigning particular identities to actin filaments and networks. Open Biol 2020; 10:200157. [PMID: 32873155 PMCID: PMC7536088 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The actin cytoskeleton has the particularity of being assembled into many functionally distinct filamentous networks from a common reservoir of monomeric actin. Each of these networks has its own geometrical, dynamical and mechanical properties, because they are capable of recruiting specific families of actin-binding proteins (ABPs), while excluding the others. This review discusses our current understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms that cells have developed over the course of evolution to segregate ABPs to appropriate actin networks. Segregation of ABPs requires the ability to distinguish actin networks as different substrates for ABPs, which is regulated in three different ways: (1) by the geometrical organization of actin filaments within networks, which promotes or inhibits the accumulation of ABPs; (2) by the identity of the networks' filaments, which results from the decoration of actin filaments with additional proteins such as tropomyosin, from the use of different actin isoforms or from covalent modifications of actin; (3) by the existence of collaborative or competitive binding to actin filaments between two or multiple ABPs. This review highlights that all these effects need to be taken into account to understand the proper localization of ABPs in cells, and discusses what remains to be understood in this field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Boiero Sanders
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Adrien Antkowiak
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Alphée Michelot
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
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47
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Pimm ML, Hotaling J, Henty-Ridilla JL. Profilin choreographs actin and microtubules in cells and cancer. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 355:155-204. [PMID: 32859370 PMCID: PMC7461721 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2020.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Actin and microtubules play essential roles in aberrant cell processes that define and converge in cancer including: signaling, morphology, motility, and division. Actin and microtubules do not directly interact, however shared regulators coordinate these polymers. While many of the individual proteins important for regulating and choreographing actin and microtubule behaviors have been identified, the way these molecules collaborate or fail in normal or disease contexts is not fully understood. Decades of research focus on Profilin as a signaling molecule, lipid-binding protein, and canonical regulator of actin assembly. Recent reports demonstrate that Profilin also regulates microtubule dynamics and polymerization. Thus, Profilin can coordinate both actin and microtubule polymer systems. Here we reconsider the biochemical and cellular roles for Profilin with a focus on the essential cytoskeletal-based cell processes that go awry in cancer. We also explore how the use of model organisms has helped to elucidate mechanisms that underlie the regulatory essence of Profilin in vivo and in the context of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan L Pimm
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Jessica Hotaling
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Jessica L Henty-Ridilla
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States.
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48
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Abstract
Profilin is a ubiquitously expressed protein well known as a key regulator of actin polymerisation. The actin cytoskeleton is involved in almost all cellular processes including motility, endocytosis, metabolism, signal transduction and gene transcription. Hence, profilin's role in the cell goes beyond its direct and essential function in regulating actin dynamics. This review will focus on the interactions of Profilin 1 and its ligands at the plasma membrane, in the cytoplasm and the nucleus of the cells and the regulation of profilin activity within those cell compartments. We will discuss the interactions of profilin in cell signalling pathways and highlight the importance of the cell context in the multiple functions that this small essential protein has in conjunction with its role in cytoskeletal organisation and dynamics. We will review some of the mechanisms that control profilin expression and the implications of changed expression of profilin in the light of cancer biology and other pathologies.
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