scholarly journals Amelogenin phosphorylation regulates tooth enamel formation by stabilizing a transient amorphous mineral precursor

2020 ◽  
Vol 295 (7) ◽  
pp. 1943-1959 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nah-Young Shin ◽  
Hajime Yamazaki ◽  
Elia Beniash ◽  
Xu Yang ◽  
Seth S. Margolis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Matrix Protein ◽  
Surface Defects ◽  
Tooth Enamel ◽  
Phosphorylation Site ◽  
Dental Enamel ◽  
Crystal Formation ◽  
Enamel Formation ◽  
Enamel Matrix Protein ◽  
And Function

Dental enamel comprises interwoven arrays of extremely long and narrow crystals of carbonated hydroxyapatite called enamel rods. Amelogenin (AMELX) is the predominant extracellular enamel matrix protein and plays an essential role in enamel formation (amelogenesis). Previously, we have demonstrated that full-length AMELX forms higher-order supramolecular assemblies that regulate ordered mineralization in vitro, as observed in enamel rods. Phosphorylation of the sole AMELX phosphorylation site (Ser-16) in vitro greatly enhances its capacity to stabilize amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), the first mineral phase formed in developing enamel, and prevents apatitic crystal formation. To test our hypothesis that AMELX phosphorylation is critical for amelogenesis, we generated and characterized a hemizygous knockin (KI) mouse model with a phosphorylation-defective Ser-16 to Ala-16 substitution in AMELX. Using EM analysis, we demonstrate that in the absence of phosphorylated AMELX, KI enamel lacks enamel rods, the hallmark component of mammalian enamel, and, unlike WT enamel, appears to be composed of less organized arrays of shorter crystals oriented normal to the dentinoenamel junction. KI enamel also exhibited hypoplasia and numerous surface defects, whereas heterozygous enamel displayed highly variable mosaic structures with both KI and WT features. Importantly, ACP-to-apatitic crystal transformation occurred significantly faster in KI enamel. Secretory KI ameloblasts also lacked Tomes' processes, consistent with the absence of enamel rods, and underwent progressive cell pathology throughout enamel development. In conclusion, AMELX phosphorylation plays critical mechanistic roles in regulating ACP-phase transformation and enamel crystal growth, and in maintaining ameloblast integrity and function during amelogenesis.

scholarly journals Phosphorylation of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Response Regulator AlgR Is Essential for Type IV Fimbria-Mediated Twitching Motility

2002 ◽  
Vol 184 (16) ◽  
pp. 4544-4554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia B. Whitchurch ◽  
Tatiana E. Erova ◽  
Jacqui A. Emery ◽  
Jennifer L. Sargent ◽  
Jonathan M. Harris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Response Regulator ◽  
Phosphorylation Site ◽  
Twitching Motility ◽  
Type Iv ◽  
Molecular Events ◽  
And Function ◽  
Alginate Biosynthesis

ABSTRACT The response regulator AlgR is required for both alginate biosynthesis and type IV fimbria-mediated twitching motility in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In this study, the roles of AlgR signal transduction and phosphorylation in twitching motility and biofilm formation were examined. The predicted phosphorylation site of AlgR (aspartate 54) and a second aspartate (aspartate 85) in the receiver domain of AlgR were mutated to asparagine, and mutant algR alleles were introduced into the chromosome of P. aeruginosa strains PAK and PAO1. Assays of these mutants demonstrated that aspartate 54 but not aspartate 85 of AlgR is required for twitching motility and biofilm initiation. However, strains expressing AlgR D85N were found to be hyperfimbriate, indicating that both aspartate 54 and aspartate 85 are involved in fimbrial biogenesis and function. algD mutants were observed to have wild-type twitching motility, indicating that AlgR control of twitching motility is not mediated via its role in the control of alginate biosynthesis. In vitro phosphorylation assays showed that AlgR D54N is not phosphorylated by the enteric histidine kinase CheA. These findings indicate that phosphorylation of AlgR most likely occurs at aspartate 54 and that aspartate 54 and aspartate 85 of AlgR are required for the control of the molecular events governing fimbrial biogenesis, twitching motility, and biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa.

scholarly journals A proline-rich sequence unique to MEK1 and MEK2 is required for raf binding and regulates MEK function.

1995 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 5214-5225 ◽  
Author(s):  
A D Catling ◽  
H J Schaeffer ◽  
C W Reuter ◽  
G R Reddy ◽  
M J Weber
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Phosphorylation Site ◽  
Specific Protein ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Serum Stimulation ◽  
And Function

Mammalian MEK1 and MEK2 contain a proline-rich (PR) sequence that is absent both from the yeast homologs Ste7 and Byr1 and from a recently cloned activator of the JNK/stress-activated protein kinases, SEK1/MKK4. Since this PR sequence occurs in MEKs that are regulated by Raf family enzymes but is missing from MEKs and SEKs activated independently of Raf, we sought to investigate the role of this sequence in MEK1 and MEK2 regulation and function. Deletion of the PR sequence from MEK1 blocked the ability of MEK1 to associate with members of the Raf family and markedly attenuated activation of the protein in vivo following growth factor stimulation. In addition, this sequence was necessary for efficient activation of MEK1 in vitro by B-Raf but dispensable for activation by a novel MEK1 activator which we have previously detected in fractionated fibroblast extracts. Furthermore, we found that a phosphorylation site within the PR sequence of MEK1 was required for sustained MEK1 activity in response to serum stimulation of quiescent fibroblasts. Consistent with this observation, we observed that MEK2, which lacks a phosphorylation site at the corresponding position, was activated only transiently following serum stimulation. Finally, we found that deletion of the PR sequence from a constitutively activated MEK1 mutant rendered the protein nontransforming in Rat1 fibroblasts. These observations indicate a critical role for the PR sequence in directing specific protein-protein interactions important for the activation, inactivation, and downstream functioning of the MEKs.

scholarly journals Co-Immunoprecipitation Reveals Interactions Between Amelogenin and Ameloblastin via Their Self-Assembly Domains

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rucha Arun Bapat ◽  
Jingtan Su ◽  
Janet Moradian-Oldak
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Dental Enamel ◽  
Enamel Matrix Proteins ◽  
Enamel Formation ◽  
Macromolecular Assembly ◽  
Show Evidence ◽  
Maturation Stages ◽  
Mouse Incisor

Macromolecular assembly of extracellular enamel matrix proteins (EMPs) is intimately associated with the nucleation, growth, and maturation of highly organized hydroxyapatite crystals giving rise to healthy dental enamel. Although the colocalization of two of the most abundant EMPs amelogenin (Amel) and ameloblastin (Ambn) in molar enamel has been established, the evidence toward their interaction is scarce. We used co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) to show evidence of direct molecular interactions between recombinant and native Amel and Ambn. Ambn fragments containing Y/F-x-x-Y/L/F-x-Y/F self-assembly motif were isolated from the co-IP column and characterized by mass spectroscopy. We used recombinant Ambn (rAmbn) mutants with deletion of exons 5 and 6 as well as Ambn derived synthetic peptides to demonstrate that Ambn binds to Amel via its previously identified Y/F-x-x-Y/L/F-x-Y/F self-assembly motif at the N-terminus of its exon 5 encoded region. Using an N-terminal specific anti-Ambn antibody, we showed that Ambn N-terminal fragments colocalized with Amel from secretory to maturation stages of enamel formation in a single section of developing mouse incisor, and closely followed mineral patterns in enamel rod interrod architecture. We conclude that Ambn self-assembly motif is involved in its interaction with Amel in solution and that colocalization between the two proteins persists from secretory to maturation stages of amelogenesis. Our in vitro and in situ data support the notion that Amel and Ambn may form heteromolecular assemblies that may perform important physiological roles during enamel formation.

Structure-Property Correlation in Genetically-Engineered Mouse Enamel

2001 ◽  
Vol 7 (S2) ◽  
pp. 992-993
Author(s):  
Hanson Fong ◽  
Daniel Heidel ◽  
Mehmet Sarikaya ◽  
Michael Paine ◽  
Wen Lou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Matrix Protein ◽  
Dental Enamel ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Structure Property ◽  
Biomineralization Process ◽  
Enamel Epithelium ◽  
Assembly Behavior

Dental enamel is the most durable bioceramics produced by a vertebrate as it is designed to perform masticatory functions throughout its lifetime. The understanding of the mechanism of enamel formation and effects of proteins during the biomineralization process are fundamental issues, essential for both potential enamel regeneration and as a base for synthesis, via self-assembly, of biomimetic composites.The biomineralization process of enamel is carried out by ameloblast cells that line the inner enamel epithelium and secrete an extracellular protein matrix onto a mineralized dentin surface at the dentin-enamel junction (DEJ). A major matrix protein, amelogenin, is believed to regulate the mineralization of hydroxyapatite (HAP) in the enamel tissue. It has been shown to undergo self-assembly in vitro and in vivo to form nanospheres of ∼20nm in diameter. Previous TEM studies have shown that the nanospheres align along the length (c-axis) of hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals. There are two domains, namely A (residues 1-42) and B (residues 157-173), that control the self-assembly behavior of the nanospheres.

scholarly journals Rad53 Checkpoint Kinase Phosphorylation Site Preference Identified in the Swi6 Protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

2003 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 3405-3416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia M. Sidorova ◽  
Linda L. Breeden
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Dna Damage ◽  
Phosphorylation Site ◽  
Site Preference ◽  
Phosphorylation Sites ◽  
Checkpoint Kinase ◽  
Checkpoint Signaling ◽  
And Function

ABSTRACT Rad53 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a checkpoint kinase whose structure and function are conserved among eukaryotes. When a cell detects damaged DNA, Rad53 activity is dramatically increased, which ultimately leads to changes in DNA replication, repair, and cell division. Despite its central role in checkpoint signaling, little is known about Rad53 substrates or substrate specificity. A number of proteins are implicated as Rad53 substrates; however, the evidence remains indirect. Previously, we have provided evidence that Swi6, a subunit of the Swi4/Swi6 late-G1-specific transcriptional activator, is a substrate of Rad53 in the G1/S DNA damage checkpoint. In the present study we identify Rad53 phosphorylation sites in Swi6 in vitro and demonstrate that at least one of them is targeted by Rad53 in vivo. Mutations in these phosphorylation sites in Swi6 shorten but do not eliminate the Rad53-dependent delay of the G1-to-S transition after DNA damage. We derive a consensus for Rad53 site preference at positions −2 and +2 (−2/+2) and identify its potential substrates in the yeast proteome. Finally, we present evidence that one of these candidates, the cohesin complex subunit Scc1 undergoes DNA damage-dependent phosphorylation, which is in part dependent on Rad53.

scholarly journals Plk Phosphorylation Regulates the Microtubule-Stabilizing Protein TCTP

2002 ◽  
Vol 22 (17) ◽  
pp. 6209-6221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederic R. Yarm
Keyword(s):  
Protein A ◽  
Phosphorylation Site ◽  
Mitotic Cell ◽  
Structural Protein ◽  
Microtubule Associated Proteins ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Mutant Phenotypes ◽  
And Function

ABSTRACT The mitotic polo-like kinases have been implicated in the formation and function of bipolar spindles on the basis of their respective localizations and mutant phenotypes. To date, this putative regulation has been limited to a kinesin-like motor protein, a centrosomal structural protein, and two microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). In this study, another spindle-regulating protein, the mammalian non-MAP microtubule-binding and -stabilizing protein, the translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP), was identified as a putative Plk-interacting clone by a two-hybrid screen. Plk phosphorylates TCTP on two serine residues in vitro and cofractionates with the majority of kinase activity toward TCTP in mitotic cell lysates. In addition, these sites were demonstrated to be phosphorylated in vivo. Overexpression of a Plk phosphorylation site-deficient mutant of TCTP induced a dramatic increase in the number of multinucleate cells, rounded cells with condensed ball-like nuclei, and cells undergoing cell death, similar to both the reported anti-Plk antibody microinjection and the low-concentration taxol treatment phenotypes. These results suggest that phosphorylation decreases the microtubule-stabilizing activity of TCTP and promotes the increase in microtubule dynamics that occurs after metaphase.

scholarly journals Identification of Key Functional Motifs of Native Amelogenin Protein for Dental Enamel Remineralisation

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (18) ◽  
pp. 4214
Author(s):  
Shama S. M. Dissanayake ◽  
Manikandan Ekambaram ◽  
Kai Chun Li ◽  
Paul W. R. Harris ◽  
Margaret A. Brimble
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Matrix Protein ◽  
Tooth Enamel ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Dental Enamel ◽  
Tooth Decay ◽  
Structure Comparison ◽  
Physiological Importance

Dental caries or tooth decay is a preventable and multifactorial disease that affects billions of people globally and is a particular concern in younger populations. This decay arises from acid demineralisation of tooth enamel resulting in mineral loss from the subsurface. The remineralisation of early enamel carious lesions could prevent the cavitation of teeth. The enamel protein amelogenin constitutes 90% of the total enamel matrix protein in teeth and plays a key role in the biomineralisation of tooth enamel. The physiological importance of amelogenin has led to the investigation of the possible development of amelogenin-derived biomimetics against dental caries. We herein review the literature on amelogenin, its primary and secondary structure, comparison to related species, and its’ in vivo processing to bioactive peptide fragments. The key structural motifs of amelogenin that enable enamel remineralisation are discussed. The presence of several motifs in the amelogenin structure (such as polyproline, N- and C-terminal domains and C-terminal orientation) were shown to play a critical role in the formation of particle shape during remineralization. Understanding the function/structure relationships of amelogenin can aid in the rational design of synthetic polypeptides for biomineralisation, halting enamel loss and leading to improved therapies for tooth decay.

scholarly journals Opposing effects of bim and bcl-2 on lung endothelial cell migration

2010 ◽  
Vol 299 (5) ◽  
pp. L607-L620 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cathy Grutzmacher ◽  
SunYoung Park ◽  
Tammy L. Elmergreen ◽  
Yixin Tang ◽  
Elizabeth A. Scheef ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Matrix Protein ◽  
Endothelial Cell Migration ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Capillary Morphogenesis ◽  
Steady State Rate ◽  
Cell Adhesion And Migration ◽  
And Migration ◽  
And Function

Integration of cell adhesive, survival, and proliferative processes is essential for capillary morphogenesis of endothelial cells (EC) in vitro and vascular development and function in vivo. Unfortunately, the molecular and cellular mechanisms that impact these processes are poorly defined. Here we examined how lack of bim and/or bcl-2 expression impact lung EC function. The absence of bcl-2 or bim had a significant impact on EC adhesion and migration. Lack of bcl-2 expression decreased lung EC migration, whereas lack of bim expression increased migration compared with their wild-type counterparts. Decreased adhesion to fibronectin and vitronectin was observed in both bcl-2−/− and bim−/− lung EC, with bcl-2−/− EC having very little adhesion to either matrix protein. Capillary morphogenesis was greatly diminished in bcl-2−/− EC, which correlated with decreased lung alveolarization in vivo, an angiogenesis-dependent process. We also observed aberrant production of extracellular matrix proteins, eNOS expression, and nitric oxide production in bcl-2−/− lung EC, which could contribute to inability to undergo capillary morphogenesis. The changes in cell adhesion and migration noted in the absence of bim or bcl-2 were independent of their impact on apoptosis. We observed no significant affect on the steady-state rate of apoptosis of lung EC in the absence of bim or bcl-2. Thus, bcl-2 family members, bim and bcl-2, play a central role in modulation of EC proangiogenic properties, which goes beyond their role as simple mediators of mitochondrial homeostasis and apoptosis.

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