scholarly journals The where and when of intracellular Ca2+ signaling

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 28-31
Author(s):  
Holly Smith
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Eukaryotic Cells ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Egg Development ◽  
Intracellular Signal ◽  
Almost All

Ca2+ is essential for cellular functions. The ability of this ion to act as an intracellular signal, common to almost all eukaryotic cells, allows it to orchestrate an enormous repertoire of cellular activities, from initiating egg development after fertilization to synaptic transmission between neurons.

Neuroligin-2 as a central organizer of inhibitory synapses in health and disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (663) ◽  
pp. eabd8379
Author(s):  
Heba Ali ◽  
Lena Marth ◽  
Dilja Krueger-Burg
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Synapse Formation ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Inhibitory Synapses ◽  
Molecular Architecture ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Flow Of Information

Postsynaptic organizational protein complexes play central roles both in orchestrating synapse formation and in defining the functional properties of synaptic transmission that together shape the flow of information through neuronal networks. A key component of these organizational protein complexes is the family of synaptic adhesion proteins called neuroligins. Neuroligins form transsynaptic bridges with presynaptic neurexins to regulate various aspects of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission. Neuroligin-2 (NLGN2) is the only member that acts exclusively at GABAergic inhibitory synapses. Altered expression and mutations in NLGN2 and several of its interacting partners are linked to cognitive and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, autism, and anxiety. Research on NLGN2 has fundamentally shaped our understanding of the molecular architecture of inhibitory synapses. Here, we discuss the current knowledge on the molecular and cellular functions of mammalian NLGN2 and its role in the neuronal circuitry that regulates behavior in rodents and humans.

scholarly journals Mitochondrial Dynamics, ROS, and Cell Signaling: A Blended Overview

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 332
Author(s):  
Valentina Brillo ◽  
Leonardo Chieregato ◽  
Luigi Leanza ◽  
Silvia Muccioli ◽  
Roberto Costa
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Mitochondrial Dynamics ◽  
Eukaryotic Cells ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Lipid Trafficking ◽  
Mitochondrial Ros ◽  
Intracellular Organelles ◽  
Proliferation Regulation ◽  
Dynamic Plasticity

Mitochondria are key intracellular organelles involved not only in the metabolic state of the cell, but also in several cellular functions, such as proliferation, Calcium signaling, and lipid trafficking. Indeed, these organelles are characterized by continuous events of fission and fusion which contribute to the dynamic plasticity of their network, also strongly influenced by mitochondrial contacts with other subcellular organelles. Nevertheless, mitochondria release a major amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside eukaryotic cells, which are reported to mediate a plethora of both physiological and pathological cellular functions, such as growth and proliferation, regulation of autophagy, apoptosis, and metastasis. Therefore, targeting mitochondrial ROS could be a promising strategy to overcome and hinder the development of diseases such as cancer, where malignant cells, possessing a higher amount of ROS with respect to healthy ones, could be specifically targeted by therapeutic treatments. In this review, we collected the ultimate findings on the blended interplay among mitochondrial shaping, mitochondrial ROS, and several signaling pathways, in order to contribute to the dissection of intracellular molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of eukaryotic cells, possibly improving future therapeutic approaches.

scholarly journals A Human DUB Protein Array for Clarification of Linkage Specificity of Polyubiquitin Chain and Application to Evaluation of Its Inhibitors

Biomedicines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 152
Author(s):  
Hirotaka Takahashi ◽  
Satoshi Yamanaka ◽  
Shohei Kuwada ◽  
Kana Higaki ◽  
Kohki Kido ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Targets ◽  
Protein Array ◽  
Polyubiquitin Chain ◽  
Deubiquitinating Enzymes ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Model Study ◽  
Biochemical Analyses ◽  
Almost All

Protein ubiquitinations play pivotal roles in many cellular processes, including homeostasis, responses to various stimulations, and progression of diseases. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) remove ubiquitin molecules from ubiquitinated proteins and cleave the polyubiquitin chain, thus negatively regulating numerous ubiquitin-dependent processes. Dysfunctions of many DUBs reportedly cause various diseases; therefore, DUBs are considered as important drug targets, although the biochemical characteristics and cellular functions of many DUBs are still unclear. Here, we established a human DUB protein array to detect the activity and linkage specificity of almost all human DUBs. Using a wheat cell-free protein synthesis system, 88 full-length recombinant human DUB proteins were prepared and termed the DUB array. In vitro DUB assays were performed with all of these recombinant DUBs, using eight linkage types of diubiquitins as substrates. As a result, 80 DUBs in the array showed DUB activities, and their linkage specificities were determined. These 80 DUBs included many biochemically uncharacterized DUBs in the past. In addition, taking advantage of these active DUB proteins, we applied the DUB array to evaluate the selectivities of DUB inhibitors. We successfully developed a high-throughput and semi-quantitative DUB assay based on AlphaScreen technology, and a model study using two commercially available DUB inhibitors revealed individual selectivities to 29 DUBs, as previously reported. In conclusion, the DUB array established here is a powerful tool for biochemical analyses and drug discovery for human DUBs.

scholarly journals The Spectrinome: The Interactome of a Scaffold Protein Creating Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Connectivity and Function

2019 ◽  
Vol 244 (15) ◽  
pp. 1273-1302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven R. Goodman ◽  
Daniel Johnson ◽  
Steven L. Youngentob ◽  
David Kakhniashvili
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Cellular Protein ◽  
Human Diseases ◽  
Scaffolding Protein ◽  
Eukaryotic Cells ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Cellular Compartment ◽  
Atlas Data ◽  
And Function

We provide a review of Spectrin isoform function in the cytoplasm, the nucleus, the cell surface, and in intracellular signaling. We then discuss the importance of Spectrin’s E2/E3 chimeric ubiquitin conjugating and ligating activity in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Finally we present spectrin isoform subunit specific human diseases. We have created the Spectrinome, from the Human Proteome, Human Reactome and Human Atlas data and demonstrated how it can be a useful tool in visualizing and understanding spectrins myriad of cellular functions. Impact statement Spectrin was for the first 12 years after its discovery thought to be found only in erythrocytes. In 1981, Goodman and colleagues 1 found that spectrin-like molecules were ubiquitously found in non-erythroid cells leading to a great multitude of publications over the next thirty eight years. The discovery of multiple spectrin isoforms found associated with every cellular compartment, and representing 2-3% of cellular protein, has brought us to today’s understanding that spectrin is a scaffolding protein, with its own E2/E3 chimeric ubiquitin conjugating ligating activity that is involved in virtually every cellular function. We cover the history, localized functions of spectrin isoforms, human diseases caused by mutations, and provide the spectrinome: a useful tool for understanding the myriad of functions for one of the most important proteins in all eukaryotic cells.

scholarly journals Structure and Lateral Organization of Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (17) ◽  
pp. 3885
Author(s):  
Luís Borges-Araújo ◽  
Fabio Fernandes
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Dynamics ◽  
Eukaryotic Cells ◽  
Signaling Proteins ◽  
Steady State Concentration ◽  
Biophysical Properties ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Downstream Signaling ◽  
A Minor ◽  
State Concentration ◽  
Lateral Organization

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) is a minor but ubiquitous component of the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells. However, due to its particular complex biophysical properties, it stands out from its neighboring lipids as one of the most important regulators of membrane-associated signaling events. Despite its very low steady-state concentration, PI(4,5)P2 is able to engage in a multitude of simultaneous cellular functions that are temporally and spatially regulated through the presence of localized transient pools of PI(4,5)P2 in the membrane. These pools are crucial for the recruitment, activation, and organization of signaling proteins and consequent regulation of downstream signaling. The present review showcases some of the most important PI(4,5)P2 molecular and biophysical properties as well as their impact on its membrane dynamics, lateral organization, and interactions with other biochemical partners.

scholarly journals A codon change in beta-tubulin which drastically affects microtubule structure in Drosophila melanogaster fails to produce a significant phenotype in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

1991 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 4726-4731 ◽  
Author(s):  
V Praitis ◽  
W S Katz ◽  
F Solomon
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Eukaryotic Cells ◽  
Tubulin Gene ◽  
Beta Tubulin ◽  
Cell Biol ◽  
Codon Change ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Beta Tubulin Gene ◽  
Microtubule Structure

The relative uniformity of microtubule ultrastructure in almost all eukaryotic cells is thought to be a consequence of the conserved elements of tubulin sequence. In support of this idea, a mutation in a beta-tubulin gene of Drosophila melanogaster, occurring at a highly conserved position, produces U-shaped microtubules, suggesting a defect in either nucleation or packing during assembly (M. T. Fuller, J. H. Caulton, J. A. Hutchens, T. C. Kaufman, and E. C. Raff, J. Cell Biol. 104:385-394, 1987, and J. E. Rudolph, M. Kimble, H. D. Hoyle, M. A. Subler, and E. C. Raff, Mol. Cell. Biol. 7:2231-2242, 1987). Surprisingly, we find that introducing the same mutation into the sole beta-tubulin gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has virtually no consequences for microtubule structure or function in that organism.

scholarly journals Mvb12 Is a Novel Member of ESCRT-I Involved in Cargo Selection by the Multivesicular Body Pathway

2007 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 646-657 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea J. Oestreich ◽  
Brian A. Davies ◽  
Johanna A. Payne ◽  
David J. Katzmann
Keyword(s):  
Normal Cell ◽  
Transmembrane Proteins ◽  
Multivesicular Body ◽  
Eukaryotic Cells ◽  
Cell Physiology ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Protein Loss ◽  
Endosomal Sorting ◽  
Vacuolar Protein ◽  
Selection Of

The multivesicular body (MVB) sorting pathway impacts a variety of cellular functions in eukaryotic cells. Perhaps the best understood role for the MVB pathway is the degradation of transmembrane proteins within the lysosome. Regulation of cargo selection by this pathway is critically important for normal cell physiology, and recent advances in our understanding of this process have highlighted the endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRTs) as pivotal players in this reaction. To better understand the mechanisms of cargo selection during MVB sorting, we performed a genetic screen to identify novel factors required for cargo-specific selection by this pathway and identified the Mvb12 protein. Loss of Mvb12 function results in differential defects in the selection of MVB cargoes. A variety of analyses indicate that Mvb12 is a stable member of ESCRT-I, a heterologous complex involved in cargo selection by the MVB pathway. Phenotypes displayed upon loss of Mvb12 are distinct from those displayed by the previously described ESCRT-I subunits (vacuolar protein sorting 23, -28, and -37), suggesting a distinct function than these core subunits. These data support a model in which Mvb12 impacts the selection of MVB cargoes by modulating the cargo recognition capabilities of ESCRT-I.

scholarly journals The Roles of Coenzyme Q in Disease: Direct and Indirect Involvement in Cellular Functions

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 128
Author(s):  
Francesco Pallotti ◽  
Christian Bergamini ◽  
Costanza Lamperti ◽  
Romana Fato
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Peroxidation ◽  
Cell Death ◽  
Free Radicals ◽  
Aging Process ◽  
Coenzyme Q ◽  
Eukaryotic Cells ◽  
Rational Basis ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Multiple Functions ◽  
Complete Knowledge

Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is a key component of the respiratory chain of all eukaryotic cells. Its function is closely related to mitochondrial respiration, where it acts as an electron transporter. However, the cellular functions of coenzyme Q are multiple: it is present in all cell membranes, limiting the toxic effect of free radicals, it is a component of LDL, it is involved in the aging process, and its deficiency is linked to several diseases. Recently, it has been proposed that coenzyme Q contributes to suppressing ferroptosis, a type of iron-dependent programmed cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation. In this review, we report the latest hypotheses and theories analyzing the multiple functions of coenzyme Q. The complete knowledge of the various cellular CoQ functions is essential to provide a rational basis for its possible therapeutic use, not only in diseases characterized by primary CoQ deficiency, but also in large number of diseases in which its secondary deficiency has been found.

scholarly journals Partners in crime: POPX2 phosphatase and its interacting proteins in cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pu Rum Kim ◽  
Songjing Zhang ◽  
Muhammad Bakhait Rahmat ◽  
Cheng-Gee Koh
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Interaction Network ◽  
Interacting Proteins ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Cancer Cell Motility ◽  
Protein Protein Interaction ◽  
Binding Partners ◽  
Intracellular Signal ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Protein Protein Interaction Network

Abstract Protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation govern intracellular signal transduction and cellular functions. Kinases and phosphatases are involved in the regulation and development of many diseases such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and cancer. While the functions and roles of many kinases, as well as their substrates, are well understood, phosphatases are comparatively less well studied. Recent studies have shown that rather than acting on fewer and more distinct substrates like the kinases, phosphatases can recognize specific phosphorylation sites on many different proteins, making the study of phosphatases and their substrates challenging. One approach to understand the biological functions of phosphatases is through understanding their protein–protein interaction network. POPX2 (Partner of PIX 2; also known as PPM1F or CaMKP) is a serine/threonine phosphatase that belongs to the PP2C family. It has been implicated in cancer cell motility and invasiveness. This review aims to summarize the different binding partners of POPX2 phosphatase and explore the various functions of POPX2 through its interactome in the cell. In particular, we focus on the impact of POPX2 on cancer progression. Acting via its different substrates and interacting proteins, POPX2’s involvement in metastasis is multifaceted and varied according to the stages of metastasis.

A codon change in beta-tubulin which drastically affects microtubule structure in Drosophila melanogaster fails to produce a significant phenotype in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

1991 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 4726-4731
Author(s):  
V Praitis ◽  
W S Katz ◽  
F Solomon
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Eukaryotic Cells ◽  
Tubulin Gene ◽  
Beta Tubulin ◽  
Cell Biol ◽  
Codon Change ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Beta Tubulin Gene ◽  
Microtubule Structure

The relative uniformity of microtubule ultrastructure in almost all eukaryotic cells is thought to be a consequence of the conserved elements of tubulin sequence. In support of this idea, a mutation in a beta-tubulin gene of Drosophila melanogaster, occurring at a highly conserved position, produces U-shaped microtubules, suggesting a defect in either nucleation or packing during assembly (M. T. Fuller, J. H. Caulton, J. A. Hutchens, T. C. Kaufman, and E. C. Raff, J. Cell Biol. 104:385-394, 1987, and J. E. Rudolph, M. Kimble, H. D. Hoyle, M. A. Subler, and E. C. Raff, Mol. Cell. Biol. 7:2231-2242, 1987). Surprisingly, we find that introducing the same mutation into the sole beta-tubulin gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has virtually no consequences for microtubule structure or function in that organism.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document