Patterns of evolutionary conservation in the nesprin genes highlight probable functionally important protein domains and isoforms

2008 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1359-1367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer G. Simpson ◽  
Roland G. Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Expressed Sequence Tag ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Structural Elements ◽  
Spectrin Repeat ◽  
Protein Protein Interaction ◽  
Common Structure ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Membrane Bound

The nesprins [also known as SYNEs (synaptic nuclear envelope proteins)] are a family of type II transmembrane proteins implicated in the tethering of membrane-bound organelles and in the genetic aetiology of cerebellar ataxia and Emery–Dreifuss muscular dystrophy. They are characterized by a common structure of an SR (spectrin repeat) rod domain and a C-terminal transmembrane KLS (klarsicht)/KASH [klarsicht/ANC-1 (anchorage 1)/SYNE homology] domain which interacts with SUN [Sad1p/UNC (uncoordinated)-84] proteins in the nuclear envelope; most nesprins also have N-terminal actin-binding CH (calponin homology) domains. The genes encoding the three vertebrate nesprins (five in bony fish) and the small transmembrane actin-binding protein calmin are related to each other by ancient duplications and rearrangements. In the present paper, we collate sequence data for nesprins and calmins across the vertebrate clade and use these to study evolutionary constraints acting on their genes. We show that the rod domains of the larger nesprins are composed almost entirely of unbroken SR-like structures (74 in nesprin-1 and 56 in nesprin-2) and that these range from poorly conserved purely structural elements to highly conserved regions with a presumed protein–protein interaction function. The analysis suggests several interesting regions for future study. We also assess the evolutionary and EST (expressed sequence tag) expression support for nesprin isoforms, both known and novel; our findings suggest that substantial reassessment is required.

scholarly journals Golgi Localization of Syne-1

2003 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 2410-2424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Lucio Gough ◽  
Jun Fan ◽  
Stephen Chu ◽  
Shawn Winnick ◽  
Kenneth A. Beck
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Expression Library ◽  
Genome Database ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Large Gene ◽  
Golgi Localization

We have previously identified a Golgi-localized spectrin isoform by using an antibody to the β-subunit of erythrocyte spectrin. In this study, we show that a screen of a λgt11 expression library resulted in the isolation of an ∼5-kb partial cDNA from a Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cell line, which encoded a polypeptide of 1697 amino acids with low, but detectable, sequence homology to spectrin (37%). A blast search revealed that this clone overlaps with the 5′ end of a recently identified spectrin family member Syne-1B/Nesprin-1β, an alternately transcribed gene with muscle-specific forms that bind acetylcholine receptor and associate with the nuclear envelope. By comparing the sequence of the MDBK clone with sequence data from the human genome database, we have determined that this cDNA represents a central portion of a very large gene (∼500 kb), encoding an ∼25-kb transcript that we refer to as Syne-1. Syne-1 encodes a large polypeptide (8406 amino acids) with multiple spectrin repeats and a region at its amino terminus with high homology to the actin binding domains of conventional spectrins. Golgi localization for this spectrin-like protein was demonstrated by expression of epitope-tagged fragments in MDBK and COS cells, identifying two distinct Golgi binding sites, and by immunofluorescence microscopy by using several different antibody preparations. One of the Golgi binding domains on Syne-1 acts as a dominant negative inhibitor that alters the structure of the Golgi complex, which collapses into a condensed structure near the centrosome in transfected epithelial cells. We conclude that the Syne-1 gene is expressed in a variety of forms that are multifunctional and are capable of functioning at both the Golgi and the nuclear envelope, perhaps linking the two organelles during muscle differentiation.

scholarly journals Nesprins: a novel family of spectrin-repeat-containing proteins that localize to the nuclear membrane in multiple tissues

2001 ◽  
Vol 114 (24) ◽  
pp. 4485-4498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiuping Zhang ◽  
Jeremy N. Skepper ◽  
Fangtang Yang ◽  
John D. Davies ◽  
Laszlo Hegyi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Nuclear Membrane ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Transmembrane Domain ◽  
Myoblast Differentiation ◽  
C2c12 Myoblast ◽  
Differentiation Markers ◽  
Spectrin Repeat ◽  
New Family ◽  
Genes Encoding

In search of vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation markers, we identified two genes encoding members of a new family of type II integral membrane proteins. Both are ubiquitously expressed, and tissue-specific alternative mRNA initiation and splicing generate at least two major isoforms of each protein, with the smaller isoforms being truncated at the N-terminus. We have named these proteins nesprin-1 and -2 for nuclear envelope spectrin repeat, as they are characterized by the presence of multiple, clustered spectrin repeats, bipartite nuclear localization sequences and a conserved C-terminal, single transmembrane domain. Transient transfection of EGFP-fusion expression constructs demonstrated their localization to the nuclear membrane with a novel C-terminal, TM-domain-containing sequence essential for perinuclear localization. Using antibodies to nesprin-1, we documented its colocalization with LAP1, emerin and lamins at the nuclear envelope, and immunogold labeling confirmed its presence at the nuclear envelope and in the nucleus where it colocalized with heterochromatin. Nesprin-1 is developmentally regulated in both smooth and skeletal muscle and is re-localized from the nuclear envelope to the nucleus and cytoplasm during C2C12 myoblast differentiation. These data and structural analogies with other proteins suggest that nesprins may function as ‘dystrophins of the nucleus’ to maintain nuclear organization and structural integrity.

scholarly journals Craniofacial Diseases Caused by Defects in Intracellular Trafficking

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 726
Author(s):  
Chung-Ling Lu ◽  
Jinoh Kim
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Membrane Proteins ◽  
Intracellular Trafficking ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Soluble Proteins ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Membrane Bound ◽  
Signaling Receptors ◽  
Craniofacial Morphogenesis

Cells use membrane-bound carriers to transport cargo molecules like membrane proteins and soluble proteins, to their destinations. Many signaling receptors and ligands are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum and are transported to their destinations through intracellular trafficking pathways. Some of the signaling molecules play a critical role in craniofacial morphogenesis. Not surprisingly, variants in the genes encoding intracellular trafficking machinery can cause craniofacial diseases. Despite the fundamental importance of the trafficking pathways in craniofacial morphogenesis, relatively less emphasis is placed on this topic, thus far. Here, we describe craniofacial diseases caused by lesions in the intracellular trafficking machinery and possible treatment strategies for such diseases.

scholarly journals Competition between Metals for Binding to Methanobactin Enables Expression of Soluble Methane Monooxygenase in the Presence of Copper

2014 ◽  
Vol 81 (3) ◽  
pp. 1024-1031 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhagyalakshmi Kalidass ◽  
Muhammad Farhan Ul-Haque ◽  
Bipin S. Baral ◽  
Alan A. DiSpirito ◽  
Jeremy D. Semrau
Keyword(s):  
Methane Monooxygenase ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Copper Uptake ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Soluble Methane Monooxygenase ◽  
Sds Page ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Membrane Bound

ABSTRACTIt is well known that copper is a key factor regulating expression of the two forms of methane monooxygenase found in proteobacterial methanotrophs. Of these forms, the cytoplasmic, or soluble, methane monooxygenase (sMMO) is expressed only at low copper concentrations. The membrane-bound, or particulate, methane monooxygenase (pMMO) is constitutively expressed with respect to copper, and such expression increases with increasing copper. Recent findings have shown that copper uptake is mediated by a modified polypeptide, or chalkophore, termed methanobactin. Although methanobactin has high specificity for copper, it can bind other metals, e.g., gold. Here we show that inMethylosinus trichosporiumOB3b, sMMO is expressed and active in the presence of copper if gold is also simultaneously present. Such expression appears to be due to gold binding to methanobactin produced byM. trichosporiumOB3b, thereby limiting copper uptake. Such expression and activity, however, was significantly reduced if methanobactin preloaded with copper was also added. Further, quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-qPCR) of transcripts of genes encoding polypeptides of both forms of MMO and SDS-PAGE results indicate that both sMMO and pMMO can be expressed when copper and gold are present, as gold effectively competes with copper for binding to methanobactin. Such findings suggest that under certain geochemical conditions, both forms of MMO may be expressed and activein situ. Finally, these findings also suggest strategies whereby field sites can be manipulated to enhance sMMO expression, i.e., through the addition of a metal that can compete with copper for binding to methanobactin.

scholarly journals Mammalian microtubule P-body dynamics are mediated by nesprin-1

2014 ◽  
Vol 205 (4) ◽  
pp. 457-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dipen Rajgor ◽  
Jason A. Mellad ◽  
Daniel Soong ◽  
Jerome B. Rattner ◽  
Marvin J. Fritzler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Sodium Arsenite ◽  
Sr Proteins ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Processing Bodies ◽  
Spectrin Repeat ◽  
Microtubule Attachment ◽  
Body Dynamics

Nesprins are a multi-isomeric family of spectrin-repeat (SR) proteins, predominantly known as nuclear envelope scaffolds. However, isoforms that function beyond the nuclear envelope remain poorly examined. Here, we characterize p50Nesp1, a 50-kD isoform that localizes to processing bodies (PBs), where it acts as a microtubule-associated protein capable of linking mRNP complexes to microtubules. Overexpression of dominant-negative p50Nesp1 caused Rck/p54, but not GW182, displacement from microtubules, resulting in reduced PB movement and cross talk with stress granules (SGs). These cells disassembled canonical SGs induced by sodium arsenite, but not those induced by hydrogen peroxide, leading to cell death and revealing PB–microtubule attachment is required for hydrogen peroxide-induced SG anti-apoptotic functions. Furthermore, p50Nesp1 was required for miRNA-mediated silencing and interacted with core miRISC silencers Ago2 and Rck/p54 in an RNA-dependent manner and with GW182 in a microtubule-dependent manner. These data identify p50Nesp1 as a multi-functional PB component and microtubule scaffold necessary for RNA granule dynamics and provides evidence for PB and SG micro-heterogeneity.

Streptococcus salivarius Isolates of Varying Acid Tolerance Exhibit F1F0-ATPase Conservation

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Lauren L. Allen ◽  
Nicholas C.K. Heng ◽  
Geoffrey R. Tompkins
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Structure ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Acid Tolerance ◽  
Mutans Streptococci ◽  
Streptococcus Salivarius ◽  
Synonymous Substitutions ◽  
Carious Lesions ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Atpase Subunits ◽  
Membrane Bound

Genes encoding the subunits of the membrane-bound F<sub>1</sub>F<sub>0</sub>-ATPase (responsible for exporting protons from the cytoplasm and contributing to acid tolerance) were sequenced for 24 non-mutans streptococci isolated from carious lesions. Isolates, mostly <i>Streptococcus salivarius</i>, displayed a continuum of acid tolerance thresholds ranging from pH 4.55 to 3.39, but amino acid alignments of F<sub>1</sub>F<sub>0</sub>-ATPase subunits revealed few non-synonymous substitutions and these were unrelated to acid tolerance. Thus, the F<sub>1</sub>F<sub>0</sub>-ATPase is highly-conserved among <i>S. salivarius</i> isolates despite varying acid tolerance thresholds, supporting the contention that acid tolerance is determined by the level of gene/protein expression rather than variation in molecular structure.

scholarly journals A50 Whole-genome sequencing of African swine fever isolates from Sardinia

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Torresi ◽  
F Granberg ◽  
L Bertolotti ◽  
A Oggiano ◽  
B Colitti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
Temporal Distribution ◽  
African Swine Fever ◽  
Amino Acid Identity ◽  
Genotype I ◽  
Acid Identity ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Intergenic Sequences ◽  
Genes Encoding

Abstract In order to assess the molecular epidemiology of African swine fever (ASF) in Sardinia, we analyzed a wide range of isolates from wild and domestic pigs over a 31-year period (1978–2009) by genotyping sequence data from the genes encoding the p54 and the p72 proteins and the CVR. On this basis, the analysis of the B602L gene revealed a minor difference, placing the Sardinian isolates into two clusters according to their temporal distribution. As an extension of this study, in order to achieve a higher level of discrimination, three further variable genome regions, namely p30, CD2v, and I73R/I329L, of a large number of isolates collected from outbreaks in the years 2002–14 have been investigated. Sequence analysis of the CD2v region revealed a temporal subdivision of the viruses into two subgroups. These data, together with those from the B602L gene analysis, demonstrated that the viruses circulating in Sardinia belong to p72/genotype I, but since 1990 have undergone minor genetic variations in respect to its ancestor, thus making it impossible to trace isolates, enabling a more accurate assessment of the origin of outbreaks, and extending knowledge of virus evolution. To solve this problem, we have sequenced and annotated the complete genome of nine ASF isolates collected in Sardinia between 1978 and 2012. This was achieved using sequence data determined by next-generation sequencing. The results showed a very high identity with range of nucleotide similarity among isolates of 99.5 per cent to 99.9 per cent. The ASF virus (ASFV) genomes were composed of terminal inverted repeats and conserved and non-conserved ORFs. Among the conserved ORFs, B385R, H339R, and O61R-p12 showed 100 per cent amino acid identity. The same was true for the hypervariable ORFs, with regard to X69R, DP96R, DP60R, EP153R, B407L, I10L, and L60L genes. The EP402R and B602L genes showed, as expected, an amino acid identity range of 98.5 per cent to 100 per cent and 91 per cent to 100 per cent, respectively. In addition, all of the isolates displayed variable intergenic sequences. As a whole, the results from our studies confirmed a remarkable genetic stability of the ASFV/p72 genotype I viruses circulating in Sardinia.

scholarly journals SeRenDIP-CE: Sequence-based Interface Prediction for Conformational Epitopes

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qingzhen Hou ◽  
Bas Stringer ◽  
Katharina Waury ◽  
Henriette Capel ◽  
Reza Haydarlou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Binding ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
Conformational Epitope ◽  
Test Set ◽  
Epitope Region ◽  
Protein Protein Interaction ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Single Antigen ◽  
Wet Lab ◽  
Antigen Structure

AbstractMotivationAntibodies play an important role in clinical research and biotechnology, with their specificity determined by the interaction with the antigen’s epitope region, as a special type of protein-protein interaction (PPI) interface. The ubiquitous availability of sequence data, allows us to predicting epitopes from sequence in order to focus time-consuming wet-lab experiments onto the most promising epitope regions. Here, we extend our previously developed sequence-based predictors for homodimer and heterodimer PPI interfaces to predict epitope residues that have the potential to bind an antibody.ResultsWe collected and curated a high quality epitope dataset from the SAbDaB database. Our generic PPI heterodimer predictor obtained an AUC-ROC of 0.666 when evaluated on the epitope test set. We then trained a random forest model specifically on the epitope dataset, reaching AUC 0.694. Further training on the combined heterodimer and epitope datasets, improves our final predictor to AUC 0.703 on the epitope test set. This is better than the best state-of-the-art sequence-based epitope predictor BepiPred-2.0. On one solved antibody-antigen structure of the COVID19 virus spike RNA binding domain, our predictor reaches AUC 0.778. We added the SeRenDIP-CE Conformational Epitope predictors to our webserver, which is simple to use and only requires a single antigen sequence as input, which will help make the method immediately applicable in a wide range of biomedical and biomolecular research.AvailabilityWebserver, source code and datasets are available at www.ibi.vu.nl/programs/serendipwww/[email protected]

scholarly journals Mechanosensing through direct binding of tensed F-actin by LIM domains

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyu Sun ◽  
Donovan Y. Z. Phua ◽  
Lucas Axiotakis ◽  
Mark A. Smith ◽  
Elizabeth Blankman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Actin Cytoskeleton ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Cytoskeletal Proteins ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
General Mechanism ◽  
Protein Protein Interaction ◽  
Cytoplasmic Actin ◽  
Lim Domains ◽  
Lim Proteins

SummaryMechanical signals transmitted through the cytoplasmic actin cytoskeleton must be relayed to the nucleus to control gene expression. LIM domains are protein-protein interaction modules found in cytoskeletal proteins and transcriptional regulators; however, it is unclear if there is a direct link between these two functions. Here we identify three LIM protein families (zyxin, paxillin, and FHL) whose members preferentially localize to the actin cytoskeleton in mechanically-stimulated cells through their tandem LIM domains. A minimal actin-myosin reconstitution system reveals that representatives of all three families directly bind F-actin only in the presence of mechanical force. Point mutations at a site conserved in each LIM domain of these proteins selectively disrupt tensed F-actin binding in vitro and cytoskeletal localization in cells, demonstrating a common, avidity-based mechanism. Finally, we find that binding to tensed F-actin in the cytoplasm excludes the cancer-associated transcriptional co-activator FHL2 from the nucleus in stiff microenvironments. This establishes direct force-activated F-actin binding by FHL2 as a mechanosensing mechanism. Our studies suggest that force-dependent sequestration of LIM proteins on the actin cytoskeleton could be a general mechanism for controlling nuclear localization to effect mechanical signaling.

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