scholarly journals Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-induced mRNA Splicing Permits Synthesis of Transcription Factor Hac1p/Ern4p That Activates the Unfolded Protein Response

1997 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 1845-1862 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tetsushi Kawahara ◽  
Hideki Yanagi ◽  
Takashi Yura ◽  
Kazutoshi Mori
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Er Stress ◽  
Unfolded Protein Response ◽  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Mrna Splicing ◽  
Unfolded Protein ◽  
The Unfolded Protein Response ◽  
Protein Response ◽  
Precursor Mrna

An intracellular signaling from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the nucleus, called the unfolded protein response (UPR), is activated when unfolded proteins are accumulated in the ER under a variety of stress conditions (“ER stress”). We and others recently identified Hac1p/Ern4p as a transcription factor responsible for the UPR inSaccharomyces cerevisiae. It was further reported that Hac1p (238 aa) is detected only in ER-stressed cells, and its expression is mediated by unconventional splicing ofHAC1 precursor mRNA. The splicing replaces the C-terminal portion of Hac1p; it was proposed that precursor mRNA is also translated but the putative product of 230 aa is rapidly degraded by the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. We have identified and characterized the same regulated splicing and confirmed its essential features. Contrary to the above proposal, however, we find that the 238-aa product of mature mRNA and the 230-aa-type protein tested are highly unstable with little or no difference in stability. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the absence of Hac1p in unstressed cells is due to the lack of translation of precursor mRNA. We conclude that Hac1p is synthesized as the result of ER stress-induced mRNA splicing, leading to activation of the UPR.

scholarly journals Ceapins are a new class of unfolded protein response inhibitors, selectively targeting the ATF6α branch

eLife ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ciara M Gallagher ◽  
Carolina Garri ◽  
Erica L Cain ◽  
Kenny Kean-Hooi Ang ◽  
Christopher G Wilson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Er Stress ◽  
Unfolded Protein Response ◽  
Proteolytic Processing ◽  
Unfolded Protein ◽  
New Class ◽  
Cancer Models ◽  
Membrane Bound ◽  
The Unfolded Protein Response ◽  
Protein Response

The membrane-bound transcription factor ATF6α plays a cytoprotective role in the unfolded protein response (UPR), required for cells to survive ER stress. Activation of ATF6α promotes cell survival in cancer models. We used cell-based screens to discover and develop Ceapins, a class of pyrazole amides, that block ATF6α signaling in response to ER stress. Ceapins sensitize cells to ER stress without impacting viability of unstressed cells. Ceapins are highly specific inhibitors of ATF6α signaling, not affecting signaling through the other branches of the UPR, or proteolytic processing of its close homolog ATF6β or SREBP (a cholesterol-regulated transcription factor), both activated by the same proteases. Ceapins are first-in-class inhibitors that can be used to explore both the mechanism of activation of ATF6α and its role in pathological settings. The discovery of Ceapins now enables pharmacological modulation all three UPR branches either singly or in combination.

scholarly journals The PGRS Domain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis PE_PGRS Protein Rv0297 Is Involved in Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Apoptosis through Toll-Like Receptor 4

mBio ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonam Grover ◽  
Tarina Sharma ◽  
Yadvir Singh ◽  
Sakshi Kohli ◽  
Manjunath P. ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis ◽  
Er Stress ◽  
Unfolded Protein Response ◽  
Toll Like Receptor ◽  
Toll Like Receptor 4 ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unfolded Protein ◽  
The Unfolded Protein Response ◽  
Protein Response

ABSTRACT The genome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis , the causal organism of tuberculosis (TB), encodes a unique protein family known as the PE/PPE/PGRS family, present exclusively in the genus Mycobacterium and nowhere else in the living kingdom, with largely unexplored functions. We describe the functional significance of the PGRS domain of Rv0297, a member of this family. In silico analyses revealed the presence of intrinsically disordered stretches and putative endoplasmic reticulum (ER) localization signals in the PGRS domain of Rv0297 (Rv0297PGRS). The PGRS domain aids in ER localization, which was shown by infecting macrophage cells with M. tuberculosis and by overexpressing the protein by transfection in macrophage cells followed by activation of the unfolded protein response, as evident from increased expression of GRP78/GRP94 and CHOP/ATF4, leading to disruption of intracellular Ca 2+ homeostasis and increased nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The consequent activation of the effector caspase-8 resulted in apoptosis of macrophages, which was Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) dependent. Administration of recombinant Rv0297PGRS (rRv0297PGRS) also exhibited similar effects. These results implicate a hitherto-unknown role of the PGRS domain of the PE_PGRS protein family in ER stress-mediated cell death through TLR4. Since this protein is already known to be present at later stages of infection in human granulomas it points to the possibility of it being employed by M. tuberculosis for its dissemination via an apoptotic mechanism. IMPORTANCE Apoptosis is generally thought to be a defense mechanism in protecting the host against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in early stages of infection. However, apoptosis during later stages in lung granulomas may favor the bacterium in disseminating the disease. ER stress has been found to induce apoptosis in TB granulomas, in zones where apoptotic macrophages accumulate in mice and humans. In this study, we report ER stress-mediated apoptosis of host cells by the Rv0297-encoded PE_PGRS5 protein of M. tuberculosis exceptionally present in the pathogenic Mycobacterium genus. The PGRS domain of Rv0297 aids the protein in localizing to the ER and induces the unfolded protein response followed by apoptosis of macrophages. The effect of the Rv0297PGRS domain was found to be TLR4 dependent. This study presents novel insights on the strategies employed by M. tuberculosis to disseminate the disease.

scholarly journals Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Unfolded Protein Response in Breast Cancer: The Balance between Apoptosis and Autophagy and Its Role in Drug Resistance

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 857 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenza Sisinni ◽  
Michele Pietrafesa ◽  
Silvia Lepore ◽  
Francesca Maddalena ◽  
Valentina Condelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Er Stress ◽  
Unfolded Protein Response ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Unfolded Protein ◽  
Chronic Activation ◽  
The Unfolded Protein Response ◽  
Protein Response ◽  
The Relationship

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a stress response activated by the accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and its uncontrolled activation is mechanistically responsible for several human pathologies, including metabolic, neurodegenerative, and inflammatory diseases, and cancer. Indeed, ER stress and the downstream UPR activation lead to changes in the levels and activities of key regulators of cell survival and autophagy and this is physiologically finalized to restore metabolic homeostasis with the integration of pro-death or/and pro-survival signals. By contrast, the chronic activation of UPR in cancer cells is widely considered a mechanism of tumor progression. In this review, we focus on the relationship between ER stress, apoptosis, and autophagy in human breast cancer and the interplay between the activation of UPR and resistance to anticancer therapies with the aim to disclose novel therapeutic scenarios. The hypothesis that autophagy and UPR may provide novel molecular targets in human malignancies is discussed.

scholarly journals Endoplasmic reticulum stress and the unfolded protein response in pancreatic islet inflammation

2016 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. R1-R17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kira Meyerovich ◽  
Fernanda Ortis ◽  
Florent Allagnat ◽  
Alessandra K Cardozo
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Er Stress ◽  
Unfolded Protein Response ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Β Cells ◽  
Β Cell ◽  
Unfolded Protein ◽  
Islet Inflammation ◽  
The Unfolded Protein Response ◽  
Protein Response

Insulin-secreting pancreatic β-cells are extremely dependent on their endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to cope with the oscillatory requirement of secreted insulin to maintain normoglycemia. Insulin translation and folding rely greatly on the unfolded protein response (UPR), an array of three main signaling pathways designed to maintain ER homeostasis and limit ER stress. However, prolonged or excessive UPR activation triggers alternative molecular pathways that can lead to β-cell dysfunction and apoptosis. An increasing number of studies suggest a role of these pro-apoptotic UPR pathways in the downfall of β-cells observed in diabetic patients. Particularly, the past few years highlighted a cross talk between the UPR and inflammation in the context of both type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this article, we describe the recent advances in research regarding the interplay between ER stress, the UPR, and inflammation in the context of β-cell apoptosis leading to diabetes.

scholarly journals Activation of the ATF6 branch of the unfolded protein response in neurons improves stroke outcome

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 1069-1079 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhui Yu ◽  
Huaxin Sheng ◽  
Shuai Liu ◽  
Shengli Zhao ◽  
Christopher C Glembotski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Er Stress ◽  
Unfolded Protein Response ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Infarct Volume ◽  
Stroke Outcome ◽  
Early Reperfusion ◽  
Unfolded Protein ◽  
The Unfolded Protein Response ◽  
Protein Response

Impaired function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER stress) is a hallmark of many human diseases including stroke. To restore ER function in stressed cells, the unfolded protein response (UPR) is induced, which activates 3 ER stress sensor proteins including activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6). ATF6 is then cleaved by proteases to form the short-form ATF6 (sATF6), a transcription factor. To determine the extent to which activation of the ATF6 UPR branch defines the fate and function of neurons after stroke, we generated a conditional and tamoxifen-inducible sATF6 knock-in mouse. To express sATF6 in forebrain neurons, we crossed our sATF6 knock-in mouse line with Emx1-Cre mice to generate ATF6-KI mice. After the ATF6 branch was activated in ATF6-KI mice with tamoxifen, mice were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Forced activation of the ATF6 UPR branch reduced infarct volume and improved functional outcome at 24 h after stroke. Increased autophagic activity at early reperfusion time after stroke may contribute to the ATF6-mediated neuroprotection. We concluded that the ATF6 UPR branch is crucial to ischemic stroke outcome. Therefore, boosting UPR pro-survival pathways may be a promising therapeutic strategy for stroke.

scholarly journals Human Cytomegalovirus Infection Activates and Regulates the Unfolded Protein Response

2005 ◽  
Vol 79 (11) ◽  
pp. 6890-6899 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer A. Isler ◽  
Alison H. Skalet ◽  
James C. Alwine
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress ◽  
Viral Infection ◽  
Unfolded Protein Response ◽  
Human Cytomegalovirus ◽  
Hcmv Infection ◽  
Unfolded Protein ◽  
The Unfolded Protein Response ◽  
Protein Response

ABSTRACT Viral infection causes stress to the endoplasmic reticulum. The response to endoplasmic reticulum stress, known as the unfolded protein response (UPR), is designed to eliminate misfolded proteins and allow the cell to recover by attenuating translation and upregulating the expression of chaperones, degradation factors, and factors that regulate the cell's metabolic and redox environment. Some consequences of the UPR (e.g., expression of chaperones and regulation of the metabolism and redox environment) may be advantageous to the viral infection; however, translational attenuation would not. Thus, viruses may induce mechanisms which modulate the UPR, maintaining beneficial aspects and suppressing deleterious aspects. We demonstrate that human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection induces the UPR but specifically regulates the three branches of UPR signaling, PKR-like ER kinase (PERK), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), and inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE-1), to favor viral replication. HCMV infection activated the eIF2α kinase PERK; however, the amount of phosphorylated eIF2α was limited and translation attenuation did not occur. Interestingly, translation of select mRNAs, which is dependent on eIF2α phosphorylation, did occur, including the transcription factor ATF4, which activates genes which may benefit the infection. The endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced activation of the transcription factor ATF6 was suppressed in HCMV-infected cells; however, specific chaperone genes, normally activated by ATF6, were activated by a virus-induced, ATF6-independent mechanism. Lastly, HCMV infection activated the IRE-1 pathway, as indicated by splicing of Xbp-1 mRNA. However, transcriptional activation of the XBP-1 target gene EDEM (ER degradation-enhancing α-mannosidase-like protein, a protein degradation factor) was inhibited. These results suggest that, although HCMV infection induces the unfolded protein response, it modifies the outcome to benefit viral replication.

scholarly journals Ratiometric sensing of BiP-client versus BiP levels by the unfolded protein response determines its signaling amplitude

eLife ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anush Bakunts ◽  
Andrea Orsi ◽  
Milena Vitale ◽  
Angela Cattaneo ◽  
Federica Lari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Er Stress ◽  
Unfolded Protein Response ◽  
Heavy Chain ◽  
Immunoglobulin M ◽  
Unfolded Protein ◽  
Er Chaperone ◽  
Ideal System ◽  
The Unfolded Protein Response ◽  
Protein Response

Insufficient folding capacity of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) activates the unfolded protein response (UPR) to restore homeostasis. Yet, how the UPR achieves ER homeostatic readjustment is poorly investigated, as in most studies the ER stress that is elicited cannot be overcome. Here we show that a proteostatic insult, provoked by persistent expression of the secretory heavy chain of immunoglobulin M (µs), is well-tolerated in HeLa cells. Upon µs expression, its levels temporarily eclipse those of the ER chaperone BiP, leading to acute, full-geared UPR activation. Once BiP is in excess again, the UPR transitions to chronic, submaximal activation, indicating that the UPR senses ER stress in a ratiometric fashion. In this process, the ER expands about three-fold and becomes dominated by BiP. As the UPR is essential for successful ER homeostatic readjustment in the HeLa-µs model, it provides an ideal system for dissecting the intricacies of how the UPR evaluates and alleviates ER stress.

scholarly journals Transcription factor ATF4 directs basal and stress-induced gene expression in the unfolded protein response and cholesterol metabolism in the liver

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (9) ◽  
pp. 1536-1551 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael E. Fusakio ◽  
Jeffrey A. Willy ◽  
Yongping Wang ◽  
Emily T. Mirek ◽  
Rana J. T. Al Baghdadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Gene Expression ◽  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Er Stress ◽  
Unfolded Protein Response ◽  
Cholesterol Metabolism ◽  
Unfolded Protein ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
The Unfolded Protein Response ◽  
Protein Response

Disturbances in protein folding and membrane compositions in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) elicit the unfolded protein response (UPR). Each of three UPR sensory proteins—PERK (PEK/EIF2AK3), IRE1, and ATF6—is activated by ER stress. PERK phosphorylation of eIF2 represses global protein synthesis, lowering influx of nascent polypeptides into the stressed ER, coincident with preferential translation of ATF4 (CREB2). In cultured cells, ATF4 induces transcriptional expression of genes directed by the PERK arm of the UPR, including genes involved in amino acid metabolism, resistance to oxidative stress, and the proapoptotic transcription factor CHOP (GADD153/DDIT3). In this study, we characterize whole-body and tissue-specific ATF4-knockout mice and show in liver exposed to ER stress that ATF4 is not required for CHOP expression, but instead ATF6 is a primary inducer. RNA-Seq analysis indicates that ATF4 is responsible for a small portion of the PERK-dependent UPR genes and reveals a requirement for expression of ATF4 for expression of genes involved in oxidative stress response basally and cholesterol metabolism both basally and under stress. Consistent with this pattern of gene expression, loss of ATF4 resulted in enhanced oxidative damage, and increased free cholesterol in liver under stress accompanied by lowered cholesterol in sera.

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