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Borkúti P, Kristó I, Szabó A, Kovács Z, Vilmos P. FERM domain-containing proteins are active components of the cell nucleus. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302489. [PMID: 38296350 PMCID: PMC10830384 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The FERM domain is a conserved and widespread protein module that appeared in the common ancestor of amoebae, fungi, and animals, and is therefore now found in a wide variety of species. The primary function of the FERM domain is localizing to the plasma membrane through binding lipids and proteins of the membrane; thus, for a long time, FERM domain-containing proteins (FDCPs) were considered exclusively cytoskeletal. Although their role in the cytoplasm has been extensively studied, the recent discovery of the presence and importance of cytoskeletal proteins in the nucleus suggests that FDCPs might also play an important role in nuclear function. In this review, we collected data on their nuclear localization, transport, and possible functions, which are still scattered throughout the literature, with special regard to the role of the FERM domain in these processes. With this, we would like to draw attention to the exciting, new dimension of the role of FDCPs, their nuclear activity, which could be an interesting novel direction for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anikó Szabó
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Kovács
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Multidisciplinary Medical Science, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter Vilmos
- HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
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2
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Chen L, Qian Z, Zheng Y, Zhang J, Sun J, Zhou C, Xiao H. Structural analysis of PTPN21 reveals a dominant-negative effect of the FERM domain on its phosphatase activity. Sci Adv 2024; 10:eadi7404. [PMID: 38416831 PMCID: PMC10901363 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi7404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
PTPN21 belongs to the four-point-one, ezrin, radixin, moesin (FERM) domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTP) and plays important roles in cytoskeleton-associated cellular processes like cell adhesion, motility, and cargo transport. Because of the presence of a WPE loop instead of a WPD loop in the phosphatase domain, it is often considered to lack phosphatase activity. However, many of PTPN21's biological functions require its catalytic activity. To reconcile these findings, we have determined the structures of individual PTPN21 FERM, PTP domains, and a complex between FERM-PTP. Combined with biochemical analysis, we have found that PTPN21 PTP is weakly active and is autoinhibited by association with its FERM domain. Disruption of FERM-PTP interaction results in enhanced ERK activation. The oncogenic HPV18 E7 protein binds to PTP at the same location as PTPN21 FERM, indicating that it may act by displacing the FERM domain from PTP. Our results provide mechanistic insight into PTPN21 and benefit functional studies of PTPN21-mediated processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Chen
- Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Zijun Qian
- Department of Hematology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
| | - Yuyuan Zheng
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Hematology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Chun Zhou
- Department of Pathology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Haowen Xiao
- Department of Hematology of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
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Xu Z, Jobe SM, Ma YQ, Shavit JA. A novel leukocyte adhesion deficiency type III mutation manifests functional importance of the compact FERM domain in kindlin-3. J Thromb Haemost 2024; 22:558-564. [PMID: 37866516 PMCID: PMC10872323 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2023.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leukocyte adhesion deficiency III (LAD-III) is a rare autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by functional deficiencies of platelets and leukocytes that occurs due to mutations in the FERMT3 gene encoding kindlin-3. Kindlin-3 is a FERM domain-containing adaptor protein that is essential in integrin activation. We have previously demonstrated that the FERM domain of kindlin-3 is structurally compact and plays an important role in supporting integrin activation in a mouse model. The impact of destabilizing the compact FERM domain in kindlin-3 on the development of LAD-III in humans remains uncertain. OBJECTIVES To use primary cells from a patient with LAD-III to validate the role of the compact FERM domain in kindlin-3 function in platelets and leukocytes. METHODS The patient is a 4-year-old girl who since infancy has displayed clinical features of LAD-III. Patient platelets and leukocytes were functionally analyzed, and structural analysis of the kindlin-3 variant was conducted. RESULTS We identified a novel homozygous missense mutation in the FERMT3 (c.412G>A, p.E138K) FERM domain. Substantially reduced levels of kindlin-3 were detected in the proband's platelets and leukocytes. Functional evaluation verified that integrin αIIbβ3-mediated platelet activation, spreading, and aggregation and β2-integrin-mediated neutrophil adhesion and spreading were significantly compromised. Structural analysis revealed that this newly identified E138K substitution in kindlin-3 destabilizes the compacted FERM domain, resulting in poor expression of kindlin-3 in blood cells and subsequent LAD-III. CONCLUSION We have identified a novel missense mutation and verified the functional significance of the compact kindlin-3 FERM domain in supporting integrin functions in platelets and leukocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Xu
- Thrombosis and Hemostasis Program, Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Shawn M Jobe
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Yan-Qing Ma
- Thrombosis and Hemostasis Program, Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
| | - Jordan A Shavit
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
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4
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Pan H, Zhu F, Chen K, Zhang Y. Genetic analysis of a child with severe intellectual disability caused by a novel variant in the FERM domain of the FRMPD4 protein. J Genet 2024; 103:14. [PMID: 38562040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Intellectual developmental disorder, X-linked 104 (XLID104), caused by the FRMPD4 gene variant, is a rare X-linked genetic disease that primarily manifests as intellectual disability (ID) and language delay, and may be accompanied by behavioural abnormalities. Currently, only 11 patients from four families have been reported to carry FRMPD4 gene variants. Here, we report a rare case of a Chinese patient with XLID104 who was presented with severe ID and language impairment. Genetic testing results showed that the patient had a novel hemizygous variant on FRMPD4 inherited from the heterozygous variant NM_001368397: c.1772A>C (p.Glu591Ala) carried by his mother. To our knowledge, this variant has not been reported previously. Western blot results for the recombinant plasmid constructed in vitro indicated that the expression of the mutant protein may be reduced. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we predicted that the mutant protein may affect the interaction of the FRMPD4 protein with DLG4. In this study, we expand the spectrum of FRMPD4 variants and suggest that the clinical awareness of the genetic diagnosis of nonsyndromic ID should be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Pan
- Department of Pediatric Kidney Rheumatology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou 234000, Anhui,People's Republic of China.
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5
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Du Y, Bradshaw WJ, Leisner TM, Annor-Gyamfi JK, Qian K, Bashore FM, Sikdar A, Nwogbo FO, Ivanov AA, Frye SV, Gileadi O, Brennan PE, Levey AI, Axtman AD, Pearce KH, Fu H, Katis VL. Discovery of FERM domain protein-protein interaction inhibitors for MSN and CD44 as a potential therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105382. [PMID: 37866628 PMCID: PMC10692723 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteomic studies have identified moesin (MSN), a protein containing a four-point-one, ezrin, radixin, moesin (FERM) domain, and the receptor CD44 as hub proteins found within a coexpression module strongly linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) traits and microglia. These proteins are more abundant in Alzheimer's patient brains, and their levels are positively correlated with cognitive decline, amyloid plaque deposition, and neurofibrillary tangle burden. The MSN FERM domain interacts with the phospholipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and the cytoplasmic tail of CD44. Inhibiting the MSN-CD44 interaction may help limit AD-associated neuronal damage. Here, we investigated the feasibility of developing inhibitors that target this protein-protein interaction. We have employed structural, mutational, and phage-display studies to examine how CD44 binds to the FERM domain of MSN. Interestingly, we have identified an allosteric site located close to the PIP2 binding pocket that influences CD44 binding. These findings suggest a mechanism in which PIP2 binding to the FERM domain stimulates CD44 binding through an allosteric effect, leading to the formation of a neighboring pocket capable of accommodating a receptor tail. Furthermore, high-throughput screening of a chemical library identified two compounds that disrupt the MSN-CD44 interaction. One compound series was further optimized for biochemical activity, specificity, and solubility. Our results suggest that the FERM domain holds potential as a drug development target. Small molecule preliminary leads generated from this study could serve as a foundation for additional medicinal chemistry efforts with the goal of controlling microglial activity in AD by modifying the MSN-CD44 interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Du
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - William J Bradshaw
- Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tina M Leisner
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Joel K Annor-Gyamfi
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Structural Genomics Consortium, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kun Qian
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Frances M Bashore
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Structural Genomics Consortium, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Arunima Sikdar
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Felix O Nwogbo
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Andrey A Ivanov
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Stephen V Frye
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Opher Gileadi
- Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul E Brennan
- Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Allan I Levey
- Department of Neurology, Emory Goizueta Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Alison D Axtman
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Structural Genomics Consortium, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Kenneth H Pearce
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Haian Fu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
| | - Vittorio L Katis
- Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Wei J, Yin J, Cui Y, Wang K, Hong M, Cui J. FERM domain containing kindlin 1 knockdown attenuates inflammation induced by intracerebral hemorrhage in rats via NLR family pyrin domain containing 3/nuclear factor kappa B pathway. Exp Anim 2023; 72:324-335. [PMID: 36740252 PMCID: PMC10435358 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.22-0145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is an incurable neurological disease. Microglia activation and its related inflammation contribute to ICH-associated brain damage. FERM domain containing kindlin 1 (FERMT1) is an integrin-binding protein that participates in microglia-associated inflammation, but its role in ICH is unclear. An ICH model was constructed by injecting 50 µl of autologous blood into the bregma of rats. FERMT1 siRNA was injected into the right ventricle of the rat for knockdown of FERMT1. A significant striatal hematoma was observed in ICH rats. FERMT1 knockdown reduced the water content of brain tissue, alleviated brain hematoma and improved behavioral function in ICH rats. FERMT1 knockdown reduced microglia activity, inhibited NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activity and decreased the expression of inflammatory factors including IL-1β and IL-18 in the peri-hematoma tissues. BV2 microglial cells were transfected with FERMT1 siRNA and incubated with 60 µM Hemin for 24 h. Activation of NLRP3 inflammasome induced by hemin were reduced in microglia when FERMT1 was knocked down, leading to decreased production of inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18. In addition, knockdown of FERMT1 prevented the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. Our findings suggested that down-regulation of FERMT1 attenuated microglial inflammation and brain damage induced by ICH via NLRP3/NF-κB pathway. FERMT1 is a key regulator of inflammatory damage in rats after ICH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiang Wei
- Department of Surgery, Hebei Medical University, No. 361, Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, P.R. China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, No. 27, Wenhua Road, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, P.R. China
| | - Jing Yin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, No. 27, Wenhua Road, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, P.R. China
| | - Ying Cui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, No. 27, Wenhua Road, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, P.R. China
| | - Kaijie Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, No. 27, Wenhua Road, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, P.R. China
| | - Mingyan Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, No. 27, Wenhua Road, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, P.R. China
| | - Jianzhong Cui
- Department of Surgery, Hebei Medical University, No. 361, Zhongshan East Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, P.R. China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, No. 27, Wenhua Road, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, P.R. China
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7
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Moesslacher CS, Auernig E, Woodsmith J, Feichtner A, Jany-Luig E, Jehle S, Worseck JM, Heine CL, Stefan E, Stelzl U. Missense variant interaction scanning reveals a critical role of the FERM domain for tumor suppressor protein NF2 conformation and function. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302043. [PMID: 37280085 PMCID: PMC10244618 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
NF2 (moesin-ezrin-radixin-like [MERLIN] tumor suppressor) is frequently inactivated in cancer, where its NF2 tumor suppressor functionality is tightly coupled to protein conformation. How NF2 conformation is regulated and how NF2 conformation influences tumor suppressor activity is a largely open question. Here, we systematically characterized three NF2 conformation-dependent protein interactions utilizing deep mutational scanning interaction perturbation analyses. We identified two regions in NF2 with clustered mutations which affected conformation-dependent protein interactions. NF2 variants in the F2-F3 subdomain and the α3H helix region substantially modulated NF2 conformation and homomerization. Mutations in the F2-F3 subdomain altered proliferation in three cell lines and matched patterns of disease mutations in NF2 related-schwannomatosis. This study highlights the power of systematic mutational interaction perturbation analysis to identify missense variants impacting NF2 conformation and provides insight into NF2 tumor suppressor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina S Moesslacher
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Auernig
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jonathan Woodsmith
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Feichtner
- Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Evelyne Jany-Luig
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefanie Jehle
- Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics (MPIMG), Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josephine M Worseck
- Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics (MPIMG), Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian L Heine
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Eduard Stefan
- Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ulrich Stelzl
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics (MPIMG), Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Berlin, Germany
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth - University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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8
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Buhr J, Franz F, Gräter F. Intrinsically disordered region of talin's FERM domain functions as an initial PIP 2 recognition site. Biophys J 2023; 122:1277-1286. [PMID: 36814383 PMCID: PMC10111347 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesions (FAs) mediate the interaction of the cytoskeleton with the extracellular matrix in a highly dynamic fashion. Talin is a central regulator, adaptor protein, and mechano-sensor of FA complexes. For recruitment and firm attachment at FAs, talin's N-terminal FERM domain binds to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2)-enriched membranes. A newly published autoinhibitory structure of talin-1, where the known PIP2 interaction sites are covered up, lead us to hypothesize that a hitherto less examined loop insertion of the FERM domain acts as an additional and initial site of contact. We evaluated direct interactions of talin-1 with a PIP2 membrane by means of atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. We show that this unstructured, 33-residue-long loop strongly interacts with PIP2 and can facilitate further membrane contacts, including the canonical PIP2 interactions, by serving as a flexible membrane anchor. Under force as present at FAs, the extensible FERM loop ensures talin maintains membrane contacts when pulled away from the membrane by up to 7 nm. We identify key basic residues of the anchor mediating the highly dynamic talin-membrane interaction. Our results put forward an intrinsically disordered loop as a key and highly adaptable PIP2 recognition site of talin and potentially other PIP2-binding mechano-proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannik Buhr
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, Heidelberg, Germany; Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Franz
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, Heidelberg, Germany; Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frauke Gräter
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, Heidelberg, Germany; Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
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9
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Ehret T, Heißenberg T, de Buhr S, Aponte-Santamaría C, Steinem C, Gräter F. FERM domains recruit ample PI(4,5)P 2s to form extensive protein-membrane attachments. Biophys J 2023; 122:1325-1333. [PMID: 36814382 PMCID: PMC10111351 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The four-point-one ezrin-radixin-moesin homology (FERM) protein domain is a multifunctional protein-lipid binding site, constituting an integral part of numerous membrane-associated proteins. Its interaction with the lipid phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), located at the inner leaflet of eukaryotic plasma membranes, is important for localization, anchorage, and activation of FERM-containing proteins. FERM-PIP2 complexes structurally determined so far exclusively feature a 1:1 binding stoichiometry of protein and lipid, with a few basic FERM residues neutralizing the -4 charge of the bound PIP2. Whether this picture from static crystal structures also applies to the dynamic interaction of FERM domains on PIP2 membranes is unknown. We here quantified the stoichiometry of FERM-PIP2 binding in a lipid bilayer using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and experiments on solid supported membranes for the FERM domains of focal adhesion kinase and ezrin. In contrast to the structural data, we find much higher average stoichiometries of FERM-PIP2 binding, amounting to 1:3 or 1:4 ratios, respectively. In simulations, the full set of basic residues at the membrane interface, 7 and 15 residues for focal adhesion kinase and ezrin, respectively, engages in PIP2 interactions. In addition, Na ions enter the FERM-membrane binding interface, compensating negative PIP2 charges in case of high charge surpluses from bound PIP2. We propose the multivalent binding of FERM domains to PIP2 in lipid bilayers to significantly enhance the stability of FERM-membrane binding and to render the FERM-membrane linkage highly adjustable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ehret
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tim Heißenberg
- Institute of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Max Planck School Matter to Life, Heidelberg and Göttingen, Germany
| | - Svenja de Buhr
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Claudia Steinem
- Institute of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Max Planck School Matter to Life, Heidelberg and Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Frauke Gräter
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Heidelberg, Germany; Max Planck School Matter to Life, Heidelberg and Göttingen, Germany; Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
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10
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Wang W, Zhao C, Quan F, Zhang P, Shao Y, Liu L. FERM domain-containing protein 6 exerts a tumor-inhibiting role in thyroid cancer by antagonizing oncogenic YAP1. Biofactors 2022; 48:428-441. [PMID: 34669997 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The emerging role of FERM domain-containing protein 6 (FRMD6) in cancer progression has been revealed in several malignancies. However, its relevance on thyroid cancer is not well understood. This work evaluated the possible role and mechanism of FRMD6 in thyroid cancer. We demonstrated that FRMD6 expression was downregulated in thyroid cancer by analyzing the Cancer Genome Atlas data. Remarkable reductions in FRMD6 expression were also confirmed in the clinical specimens and cell lines of thyroid cancer. The upregulation of FRMD6 restrained the proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and invasion of thyroid cancer. Moreover, FRMD6 overexpression significantly increased the apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Further molecular research demonstrated that the overexpression of FRMD6 increased the phosphorylation levels of mammalian STE20-like protein kinase 1, large tumor suppressor 1, and Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) and prohibited the activation of YAP1. The re-expression of constitutively active YAP1 strikingly reversed FRMD6-induced tumor-inhibiting effects. Thyroid cancer cells overexpressing FRMD6 had a weakened ability to form xenograft tumors in vivo in nude mice. Overall, the overexpression of FRMD6 produces remarkable tumor-inhibiting effects in thyroid cancer by inhibiting oncogenic YAP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hanzhong Railway Central Hospital, Hanzhong, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chang'an Zhao
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fang Quan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuan Shao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lifeng Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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