scholarly journals Pericentrin in cellular function and disease

2009 ◽  
Vol 188 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benedicte Delaval ◽  
Stephen J. Doxsey
Keyword(s):  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Cellular Function ◽  
Molecular Models ◽  
Cellular Basis ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Integral Component ◽  
Human Disorders ◽  
To Come

Pericentrin is an integral component of the centrosome that serves as a multifunctional scaffold for anchoring numerous proteins and protein complexes. Through these interactions, pericentrin contributes to a diversity of fundamental cellular processes. Recent studies link pericentrin to a growing list of human disorders. Studies on pericentrin at the cellular, molecular, and, more recently, organismal level, provide a platform for generating models to elucidate the etiology of these disorders. Although the complexity of phenotypes associated with pericentrin-mediated disorders is somewhat daunting, insights into the cellular basis of disease are beginning to come into focus. In this review, we focus on human conditions associated with loss or elevation of pericentrin and propose cellular and molecular models that might explain them.

E3 ubiquitin ligases

2005 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 15-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen C. Ardley ◽  
Philip A. Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Direct Role ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Substrate Protein ◽  
Protein Ubiquitination ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Full Complement ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Eukaryotic Organisms

The selectivity of the ubiquitin–26 S proteasome system (UPS) for a particular substrate protein relies on the interaction between a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (E2, of which a cell contains relatively few) and a ubiquitin–protein ligase (E3, of which there are possibly hundreds). Post-translational modifications of the protein substrate, such as phosphorylation or hydroxylation, are often required prior to its selection. In this way, the precise spatio-temporal targeting and degradation of a given substrate can be achieved. The E3s are a large, diverse group of proteins, characterized by one of several defining motifs. These include a HECT (homologous to E6-associated protein C-terminus), RING (really interesting new gene) or U-box (a modified RING motif without the full complement of Zn2+-binding ligands) domain. Whereas HECT E3s have a direct role in catalysis during ubiquitination, RING and U-box E3s facilitate protein ubiquitination. These latter two E3 types act as adaptor-like molecules. They bring an E2 and a substrate into sufficiently close proximity to promote the substrate's ubiquitination. Although many RING-type E3s, such as MDM2 (murine double minute clone 2 oncoprotein) and c-Cbl, can apparently act alone, others are found as components of much larger multi-protein complexes, such as the anaphase-promoting complex. Taken together, these multifaceted properties and interactions enable E3s to provide a powerful, and specific, mechanism for protein clearance within all cells of eukaryotic organisms. The importance of E3s is highlighted by the number of normal cellular processes they regulate, and the number of diseases associated with their loss of function or inappropriate targeting.

scholarly journals Computational design of symmetrical eight-bladed β-propeller proteins

IUCrJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroki Noguchi ◽  
Christine Addy ◽  
David Simoncini ◽  
Staf Wouters ◽  
Bram Mylemans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Enzymatic Activity ◽  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Protein A ◽  
Protein Structures ◽  
Computational Design ◽  
Computational Approach ◽  
Modular Architecture ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
History Of

β-Propeller proteins form one of the largest families of protein structures, with a pseudo-symmetrical fold made up of subdomains called blades. They are not only abundant but are also involved in a wide variety of cellular processes, often by acting as a platform for the assembly of protein complexes. WD40 proteins are a subfamily of propeller proteins with no intrinsic enzymatic activity, but their stable, modular architecture and versatile surface have allowed evolution to adapt them to many vital roles. By computationally reverse-engineering the duplication, fusion and diversification events in the evolutionary history of a WD40 protein, a perfectly symmetrical homologue called Tako8 was made. If two or four blades of Tako8 are expressed as single polypeptides, they do not self-assemble to complete the eight-bladed architecture, which may be owing to the closely spaced negative charges inside the ring. A different computational approach was employed to redesign Tako8 to create Ika8, a fourfold-symmetrical protein in which neighbouring blades carry compensating charges. Ika2 and Ika4, carrying two or four blades per subunit, respectively, were found to assemble spontaneously into a complete eight-bladed ring in solution. These artificial eight-bladed rings may find applications in bionanotechnology and as models to study the folding and evolution of WD40 proteins.

scholarly journals The structure and function of centriolar rootlets

2021 ◽  
Vol 134 (16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Mahen
Keyword(s):  
Cellular Function ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Cellular Systems ◽  
Macromolecular Assemblies ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Eukaryotic Organisms ◽  
And Function ◽  
Knockout Animals

ABSTRACT To gain a holistic understanding of cellular function, we must understand not just the role of individual organelles, but also how multiple macromolecular assemblies function collectively. Centrioles produce fundamental cellular processes through their ability to organise cytoskeletal fibres. In addition to nucleating microtubules, centrioles form lesser-known polymers, termed rootlets. Rootlets were identified over a 100 years ago and have been documented morphologically since by electron microscopy in different eukaryotic organisms. Rootlet-knockout animals have been created in various systems, providing insight into their physiological functions. However, the precise structure and function of rootlets is still enigmatic. Here, I consider common themes of rootlet function and assembly across diverse cellular systems. I suggest that the capability of rootlets to form physical links from centrioles to other cellular structures is a general principle unifying their functions in diverse cells and serves as an example of how cellular function arises from collective organellar activity.

scholarly journals A novel landscape of nuclear human CDK2 substrates revealed by in situ phosphorylation

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (16) ◽  
pp. eaaz9899
Author(s):  
Yong Chi ◽  
John H. Carter ◽  
Jherek Swanger ◽  
Alexander V. Mazin ◽  
Robert L. Moritz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Nuclear Architecture ◽  
Cyclin Dependent Kinase ◽  
Oncogenic Signaling ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Validation Rate ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Epigenetic Regulators

Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) controls cell division and is central to oncogenic signaling. We used an “in situ” approach to identify CDK2 substrates within nuclei isolated from cells expressing CDK2 engineered to use adenosine 5′-triphosphate analogs. We identified 117 candidate substrates, ~40% of which are known CDK substrates. Previously unknown candidates were validated to be CDK2 substrates, including LSD1, DOT1L, and Rad54. The identification of many chromatin-associated proteins may have been facilitated by labeling conditions that preserved nuclear architecture and physiologic CDK2 regulation by endogenous cyclins. Candidate substrates include proteins that regulate histone modifications, chromatin, transcription, and RNA/DNA metabolism. Many of these proteins also coexist in multi-protein complexes, including epigenetic regulators, that may provide new links between cell division and other cellular processes mediated by CDK2. In situ phosphorylation thus revealed candidate substrates with a high validation rate and should be readily applicable to other nuclear kinases.

Modeling the structure of the ribosome

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 751-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas R. Easterwood ◽  
Stephen C. Harvey
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Small Subunit ◽  
Atomic Resolution ◽  
Molecular Models ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
30S Subunit ◽  
Resolution Model ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Rna Protein Complexes

Considering the size and complexity of the ribosome and the growing body of data from a wide range of experiments on ribosomal structure, it is becoming increasingly important to develop tools that facilitate the development of reliable models for the ribosome. We use a combination of manual and computer-based approaches for building and refining models of the ribosome and other RNA–protein complexes. Our methods are aimed at determining the range of models compatible with the data, making quantitative statements about the positional uncertainties (resolution) of different regions, identifying conflicts in the data, establishing which regions of the ribosome need further experimental exploration, and, where possible, predicting the outcome of future experiments. Our previous low-resolution model for the small subunit of the Escherichia coli ribosome is briefly reviewed, along with progress on atomic resolution modeling of the mRNA–tRNA complex and its interaction with the decoding site of the 16S RNA.Key words: molecular models, 30S subunit, 16S decoding site, Escherichia coli, tRNA–mRNA complex.

scholarly journals Protein Transduction Domain Mimic (PTDM) Self-Assembly?

Polymers ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1039 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas D. Posey ◽  
Gregory N. Tew
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Protein Delivery ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Aqueous Media ◽  
Protein Transduction ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Invaluable Tool ◽  
Therapeutic Development ◽  
Intracellular Protein Delivery

Intracellular protein delivery is an invaluable tool for biomedical research, as it enables fundamental studies of cellular processes and creates opportunities for novel therapeutic development. Protein delivery reagents such as cell penetration peptides (CPPs) and protein transduction domains (PTDs) are frequently used to facilitate protein delivery. Herein, synthetic polymer mimics of PTDs, called PTDMs, were studied for their ability to self-assemble in aqueous media as it was not known whether self-assembly plays a role in the protein binding and delivery process. The results obtained from interfacial tensiometry (IFT), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), transmittance assays (%T), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) indicated that PTDMs do not readily aggregate or self-assemble at application-relevant time scales and concentrations. However, additional DLS experiments were used to confirm that the presence of protein is required to induce the formation of PTDM-protein complexes and that PTDMs likely bind as single chains.

Protein Quality Control Degradation in the Nucleus

2018 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 725-749 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charisma Enam ◽  
Yifat Geffen ◽  
Tommer Ravid ◽  
Richard G. Gardner
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Protein Misfolding ◽  
Protein Quality ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Protein Quality Control ◽  
Ubiquitin Proteasome System ◽  
Misfolded Proteins ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Human Disorders ◽  
Protein Misfolding And Aggregation

Nuclear proteins participate in diverse cellular processes, many of which are essential for cell survival and viability. To maintain optimal nuclear physiology, the cell employs the ubiquitin-proteasome system to eliminate damaged and misfolded proteins in the nucleus that could otherwise harm the cell. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge about the major ubiquitin-protein ligases involved in protein quality control degradation (PQCD) in the nucleus and how they orchestrate their functions to eliminate misfolded proteins in different nuclear subcompartments. Many human disorders are causally linked to protein misfolding in the nucleus, hence we discuss major concepts that still need to be clarified to better understand the basis of the nuclear misfolded proteins’ toxic effects. Additionally, we touch upon potential strategies for manipulating nuclear PQCD pathways to ameliorate diseases associated with protein misfolding and aggregation in the nucleus.

scholarly journals Cannabinoids as Key Regulators of Inflammasome Signaling: A Current Perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santosh V. Suryavanshi ◽  
Igor Kovalchuk ◽  
Olga Kovalchuk
Keyword(s):  
Cannabis Sativa ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
Current Perspective ◽  
Novel Drugs ◽  
Human Disorders ◽  
Pharmacologically Active

Inflammasomes are cytoplasmic inflammatory signaling protein complexes that detect microbial materials, sterile inflammatory insults, and certain host-derived elements. Inflammasomes, once activated, promote caspase-1–mediated maturation and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, leading to pyroptosis. Current advances in inflammasome research support their involvement in the development of chronic inflammatory disorders in contrast to their role in regulating innate immunity. Cannabis (marijuana) is a natural product obtained from the Cannabis sativa plant, and pharmacologically active ingredients of the plant are referred to as cannabinoids. Cannabinoids and cannabis extracts have recently emerged as promising novel drugs for chronic medical conditions. Growing evidence indicates the potent anti-inflammatory potential of cannabinoids, especially Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and synthetic cannabinoids; however, the mechanisms remain unclear. Several attempts have been made to decipher the role of cannabinoids in modulating inflammasome signaling in the etiology of chronic inflammatory diseases. In this review, we discuss recently published evidence on the effect of cannabinoids on inflammasome signaling. We also discuss the contribution of various cannabinoids in human diseases concerning inflammasome regulation. Lastly, in the milieu of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we confer available evidence linking inflammasome activation to the pathophysiology of COVID-19 suggesting overall, the importance of cannabinoids as possible drugs to target inflammasome activation in or to support the treatment of a variety of human disorders including COVID-19.

scholarly journals Small-molecule allosteric activators of PDE4 long form cyclic AMP phosphodiesterases

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (27) ◽  
pp. 13320-13329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faisa Omar ◽  
Jane E. Findlay ◽  
Gemma Carfray ◽  
Robert W. Allcock ◽  
Zhong Jiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cyclic Amp ◽  
Small Molecule ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Cyst Formation ◽  
Camp Signaling ◽  
Intracellular Camp ◽  
Camp Phosphodiesterase ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Small Molecule Compound ◽  
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) enzymes degrade cAMP and underpin the compartmentalization of cAMP signaling through their targeting to particular protein complexes and intracellular locales. We describe the discovery and characterization of a small-molecule compound that allosterically activates PDE4 long isoforms. This PDE4-specific activator displays reversible, noncompetitive kinetics of activation (increased Vmax with unchanged Km), phenocopies the ability of protein kinase A (PKA) to activate PDE4 long isoforms endogenously, and requires a dimeric enzyme assembly, as adopted by long, but not by short (monomeric), PDE4 isoforms. Abnormally elevated levels of cAMP provide a critical driver of the underpinning molecular pathology of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) by promoting cyst formation that, ultimately, culminates in renal failure. Using both animal and human cell models of ADPKD, including ADPKD patient-derived primary cell cultures, we demonstrate that treatment with the prototypical PDE4 activator compound lowers intracellular cAMP levels, restrains cAMP-mediated signaling events, and profoundly inhibits cyst formation. PDE4 activator compounds thus have potential as therapeutics for treating disease driven by elevated cAMP signaling as well as providing a tool for evaluating the action of long PDE4 isoforms in regulating cAMP-mediated cellular processes.

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