scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 selectively mimics a cleavable peptide of human ENaC in a strategic hijack of host proteolytic machinery

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Praveen Anand ◽  
Arjun Puranik ◽  
Murali Aravamudan ◽  
AJ Venkatakrishnan ◽  
Venky Soundararajan
Keyword(s):  
Cleavage Site ◽  
Molecular Mimicry ◽  
Immune Surveillance ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Evolutionary Strategy ◽  
Host Proteins ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Putative Receptor ◽  
Acid Cleavage ◽  
Cleavable Peptide

Molecular mimicry of host proteins is an evolutionary strategy adopted by viruses to evade immune surveillance and exploit host cell systems. We report that SARS-CoV-2 has evolved a unique S1/S2 cleavage site (RRARSVAS), absent in any previous coronavirus sequenced, that results in mimicry of an identical FURIN-cleavable peptide on the human epithelial sodium channel α-subunit (ENaC-α). Genetic truncation at this ENaC-α cleavage site causes aldosterone dysregulation in patients, highlighting the functional importance of the mimicked SARS-CoV-2 peptide. Single cell RNA-seq from 65 studies shows significant overlap between the expression of ENaC-α and ACE2, the putative receptor for the virus, in cell types linked to the cardiovascular-renal-pulmonary pathophysiology of COVID-19. Triangulating this cellular fingerprint with amino acid cleavage signatures of 178 human proteases shows the potential for tissue-specific proteolytic degeneracy wired into the SARS-CoV-2 lifecycle. We extrapolate that the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 into a global coronavirus pandemic may be in part due to its targeted mimicry of human ENaC and hijack of the associated host proteolytic network.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 strategically mimics proteolytic activation of human ENaC

eLife ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Praveen Anand ◽  
Arjun Puranik ◽  
Murali Aravamudan ◽  
AJ Venkatakrishnan ◽  
Venky Soundararajan
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mimicry ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Evolutionary Strategy ◽  
Viral Receptor ◽  
Proteolytic Activation ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Cellular Machinery ◽  
Cleavable Peptide ◽  
Respiratory Conditions

Molecular mimicry is an evolutionary strategy adopted by viruses to exploit the host cellular machinery. We report that SARS-CoV-2 has evolved a unique S1/S2 cleavage site, absent in any previous coronavirus sequenced, resulting in the striking mimicry of an identical FURIN-cleavable peptide on the human epithelial sodium channel α-subunit (ENaC-α). Genetic alteration of ENaC-α causes aldosterone dysregulation in patients, highlighting that the FURIN site is critical for activation of ENaC. Single cell RNA-seq from 66 studies shows significant overlap between expression of ENaC-α and the viral receptor ACE2 in cell types linked to the cardiovascular-renal-pulmonary pathophysiology of COVID-19. Triangulating this cellular characterization with cleavage signatures of 178 proteases highlights proteolytic degeneracy wired into the SARS-CoV-2 lifecycle. Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 into a global pandemic may be driven in part by its targeted mimicry of ENaC-α, a protein critical for the homeostasis of airway surface liquid, whose misregulation is associated with respiratory conditions.

scholarly journals Single-cell map of diverse immune phenotypes in the acute myeloid leukemia microenvironment

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rongqun Guo ◽  
Mengdie Lü ◽  
Fujiao Cao ◽  
Guanghua Wu ◽  
Fengcai Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Single Cell ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Immune Surveillance ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Developmental Trajectory ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Cell Phenotypes ◽  
Acute Myeloid

Abstract Background Knowledge of immune cell phenotypes, function, and developmental trajectory in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) microenvironment is essential for understanding mechanisms of evading immune surveillance and immunotherapy response of targeting special microenvironment components. Methods Using a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset, we analyzed the immune cell phenotypes, function, and developmental trajectory of bone marrow (BM) samples from 16 AML patients and 4 healthy donors, but not AML blasts. Results We observed a significant difference between normal and AML BM immune cells. Here, we defined the diversity of dendritic cells (DC) and macrophages in different AML patients. We also identified several unique immune cell types including T helper cell 17 (TH17)-like intermediate population, cytotoxic CD4+ T subset, T cell: erythrocyte complexes, activated regulatory T cells (Treg), and CD8+ memory-like subset. Emerging AML cells remodels the BM immune microenvironment powerfully, leads to immunosuppression by accumulating exhausted/dysfunctional immune effectors, expending immune-activated types, and promoting the formation of suppressive subsets. Conclusion Our results provide a comprehensive AML BM immune cell census, which can help to select pinpoint targeted drug and predict efficacy of immunotherapy.

scholarly journals Single Cell Atlas of Human Dura Reveals Cellular Meningeal Landscape and Insights into Meningioma Immune Response

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Z Wang ◽  
Jay Bowman-Kirigin ◽  
Rupen Desai ◽  
Pujan Patel ◽  
Bhuvic Patel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Cell ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Immune Surveillance ◽  
Copy Number Variant ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Immune Microenvironment ◽  
Clinical Models ◽  
Insight Into

Recent investigation of the meninges, specifically the dura layer, has highlighted its importance in CNS immune surveillance beyond a purely structural role. However, most of our understanding of the meninges stems from the use of pre-clinical models rather than human samples. In this study, we use single cell RNA-sequencing to perform the first characterization of both non-tumor-associated human dura and meningioma samples. First, we reveal a complex immune microenvironment in human dura that is transcriptionally distinct from that of meningioma. In addition, through T cell receptor sequencing, we show significant TCR overlap between matched dura and meningioma samples. We also identify a functionally heterogeneous population of non-immune cell types and report copy-number variant heterogeneity within our meningioma samples. Our comprehensive investigation of both the immune and non-immune cell landscapes of human dura and meningioma at a single cell resolution provide new insight into previously uncharacterized roles of human dura.

scholarly journals Impact of naturally forming human α/β-tryptase heterotetramers in the pathogenesis of hereditary α-tryptasemia

2019 ◽  
Vol 216 (10) ◽  
pp. 2348-2361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quang T. Le ◽  
Jonathan J. Lyons ◽  
Andrea N. Naranjo ◽  
Ana Olivera ◽  
Robert A. Lazarus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Mast Cells ◽  
Clinical Features ◽  
Hormone Receptor ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Monogenic Disorder ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Gene Copies ◽  
Protease Activated Receptor 2

Both α-tryptase and β-tryptase are preferentially expressed by human mast cells, but the purpose of α-tryptase is enigmatic, because its tetramers lack protease activity, whereas β-tryptase tetramers are active proteases. The monogenic disorder called hereditary α-tryptasemia, due to increased α-tryptase gene copies and protein expression, presents with clinical features such as vibratory urticaria and dysautonomia. We show that heterotetramers composed of 2α- and 2β-tryptase protomers (α/β-tryptase) form naturally in individuals who express α-tryptase. α/β-Tryptase, but not homotetramer, activates protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2), which is expressed on cell types such as smooth muscle, neurons, and endothelium. Also, only α/β-tryptase makes mast cells susceptible to vibration-triggered degranulation by cleaving the α subunit of the EGF-like module–containing mucin-like hormone receptor-like 2 (EMR2) mechanosensory receptor. Allosteric effects of α-tryptase protomers on neighboring β-tryptase protomers likely result in the novel substrate repertoire of α/β-tryptase tetramers that in turn cause some of the clinical features of hereditary α-tryptasemia and of other disorders involving mast cells.

scholarly journals TMPRSS4-dependent activation of the epithelial sodium channel requires cleavage of the γ-subunit distal to the furin cleavage site

2012 ◽  
Vol 302 (1) ◽  
pp. F1-F8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher J. Passero ◽  
Gunhild M. Mueller ◽  
Michael M. Myerburg ◽  
Marcelo D. Carattino ◽  
Rebecca P. Hughey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Channel ◽  
Cleavage Site ◽  
Epithelial Sodium Channel ◽  
Cleavage Sites ◽  
Furin Cleavage ◽  
Channel Activation ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Γ Subunit ◽  
Furin Cleavage Site ◽  
Unique Mechanism

The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is activated by a unique mechanism, whereby inhibitory tracts are released by proteolytic cleavage within the extracellular loops of two of its three homologous subunits. While cleavage by furin within the biosynthetic pathway releases one inhibitory tract from the α-subunit and moderately activates the channel, full activation through release of a second inhibitory tract from the γ-subunit requires cleavage once by furin and then at a distal site by a second protease, such as prostasin, plasmin, or elastase. We now report that coexpression of mouse transmembrane protease serine 4 (TMPRSS4) with mouse ENaC in Xenopus oocytes was associated with a two- to threefold increase in channel activity and production of a unique ∼70-kDa carboxyl-terminal fragment of the γ-subunit, similar to the ∼70-kDa γ-subunit fragment that we previously observed with prostasin-dependent channel activation. TMPRSS4-dependent channel activation and production of the ∼70-kDa fragment were partially blocked by mutation of the prostasin-dependent cleavage site (γRKRK186QQQQ). Complete inhibition of TMPRSS4-dependent activation of ENaC and γ-subunit cleavage was observed when three basic residues between the furin and prostasin cleavage sites were mutated (γK173Q, γK175Q, and γR177Q), in addition to γRKRK186QQQQ. Mutation of the four basic residues associated with the furin cleavage site (γRKRR143QQQQ) also prevented TMPRSS4-dependent channel activation. We conclude that TMPRSS4 primarily activates ENaC by cleaving basic residues within the tract γK173-K186 distal to the furin cleavage site, thereby releasing a previously defined key inhibitory tract encompassing γR158-F168 from the γ-subunit.

Genetic analyses uncover pleiotropic compensatory roles for Drosophila Nucleobindin-1 in inositol trisphosphate-mediated intracellular calcium homeostasis

Genome ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-90
Author(s):  
Vidhya Balasubramanian ◽  
Bharath Srinivasan
Keyword(s):  
Intracellular Calcium ◽  
Calcium Binding ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Single Copy ◽  
Structural Determinants ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Behavioral Abnormalities ◽  
Mutant Phenotypes ◽  
Trisphosphate Receptor

Nucleobindin-1 is an EF-hand calcium-binding protein with a distinctive profile, predominantly localized to the Golgi in insect and wide-ranging vertebrate cell types, alike. Its putative involvements in intracellular calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis have never been phenotypically characterized in any model organism. We have analyzed an adult-viable mutant that completely disrupts the G protein α-subunit binding and activating (GBA) motif of Drosophila Nucleobindin-1 (dmNUCB1). Such disruption does not manifest any obvious fitness-related, morphological/developmental, or behavioral abnormalities. A single copy of this mutation or the knockdown of dmnucb1 in restricted sets of cells variously rescues pleiotropic mutant phenotypes arising from impaired inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) activity (in turn depleting cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels across diverse tissue types). Additionally, altered dmNUCB1 expression or function considerably reverses lifespan and mobility improvements effected by IP3R mutants, in a Drosophila model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Homology modeling-based analyses further predict a high degree of conformational conservation in Drosophila, of biochemically validated structural determinants in the GBA motif that specify in vertebrates, the unconventional Ca2+-regulated interaction of NUCB1 with Gαi subunits. The broad implications of our findings are hypothetically discussed, regarding potential roles for NUCB1 in GBA-mediated, Golgi-associated Ca2+ signaling, in health and disease.

Design and Identification of a High Efficient Formic Acid Cleavage Site For Separation of Fusion Protein

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huaguang Zhang ◽  
Mei Li ◽  
Shuangfeng Shi ◽  
Chao Yin ◽  
Shirong Jia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fusion Protein ◽  
Formic Acid ◽  
Cleavage Site ◽  
Acid Cleavage ◽  
High Efficient

scholarly journals Rapid Maturation of Glycoprotein Hormone Free α-Subunit (GPHα) and GPHαα Homodimers

2007 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 2551-2564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Michel Krause ◽  
Peter Berger ◽  
Jordi Roig ◽  
Vinod Singh ◽  
Wolfgang E. Merz
Keyword(s):  
Hela Cells ◽  
Secretory Pathway ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Subunit Interaction ◽  
Glycoprotein Hormone ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Self Association ◽  
Choriocarcinoma Cells ◽  
Loop 2

Abstract The dynamics of glycoprotein hormone α-subunit (GPHα) maturation and GPHαα homodimer formation were studied in presence (JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells) and absence (HeLa cells) of hCGβ. In both cases, the major initially occurring GPHα variant in [35S]Met/Cys-labeled cells carried two N-glycans (Mr app = 22 kDa). Moreover, a mono-N-glycosylated in vivo association-incompetent GPHα variant (Mr app = 18 kDa) was observed. In JEG-3 cells the early 22-kDa GPHα either associated with hCGβ, or showed self-association to yield GPHαα homodimers, or was later converted into heavily glycosylated large free GPHα (Mr app = 24 kDa). Micro-preparative isolation of intracellular GPHαα homodimers of JEG-3 cells and their conversion by reduction revealed that they consisted of 22-kDa GPHα monomers and not of large free GPHα. In HeLa cells, the large free GPHα variant was not observed, whereas GPHαα homodimers were present. Intracellularly, early GPHαα homodimers (35 kDa) and late variants (JEG-3: 44 kDa, HeLa: 39 kDa) were found. Both cell types secreted 45 kDa GPHαα homodimers. Large free GPHα and GPHαα homodimers were more rapidly sialylated than hCG αβ-heterodimers indicating a sequestration mechanism in the secretory pathway. In GPHαα homo- as well as hCG αβ-heterodimers the subunit interaction site, located on loop 2 of GPHα (amino acids 33–42), became immunologically inaccessible indicating similar spatial orientation of GPHα in both types of dimers. The studies demonstrate the formation, in vivo dynamics of GPHαα homodimers, and the pathways of the cellular metabolism of variants of GPHα, monoglycosylated GPHα and large free GPHα.

scholarly journals The Conserved Set of Host Proteins Incorporated into HIV-1 Virions Suggests a Common Egress Pathway in Multiple Cell Types

2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 2045-2054 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael E. Linde ◽  
David R. Colquhoun ◽  
Ceereena Ubaida Mohien ◽  
Thomas Kole ◽  
Veronica Aquino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Types ◽  
Host Proteins ◽  
Multiple Cell ◽  
Hiv 1

Na+ pump α2-subunit expression modulates Ca2+ signaling

2003 ◽  
Vol 284 (2) ◽  
pp. C475-C486 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera A. Golovina ◽  
Hong Song ◽  
Paul F. James ◽  
Jerry B. Lingrel ◽  
Mordecai P. Blaustein
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Selective Reduction ◽  
Cyclopiazonic Acid ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Membrane Microdomains ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
Subunit Expression ◽  
Mouse Fetuses ◽  
Free Media

The role of the Na+ pump α2-subunit in Ca2+ signaling was examined in primary cultured astrocytes from wild-type (α2 +/+ = WT) mouse fetuses and those with a null mutation in one [α2 +/− = heterozygote (Het)] or both [α2 −/− = knockout (KO)] α2 genes. Na+ pump catalytic (α) subunit expression was measured by immunoblot; cytosol [Na+] ([Na+]cyt) and [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]cyt) were measured with sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate and fura 2 by using digital imaging. Astrocytes express Na+ pumps with both α1- (≈80% of total α) and α2- (≈20% of total α) subunits. Het astrocytes express ≈50% of normal α2; those from KO express none. Expression of α1 is normal in both Het and KO cells. Resting [Na+]cyt = 6.5 mM in WT, 6.8 mM in Het ( P > 0.05 vs. WT), and 8.0 mM in KO cells ( P < 0.001); 500 nM ouabain (inhibits only α2) equalized [Na+]cyt at 8 mM in all three cell types. Resting [Ca2+]cyt = 132 nM in WT, 162 nM in Het, and 196 nM in KO cells (both P < 0.001 vs. WT). Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), which inhibits endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ pumps and unloads the ER, induces transient (in Ca2+-free media) or sustained (in Ca2+-replete media) elevation of [Ca2+]cyt. These Ca2+ responses to 10 μM CPA were augmented in Het as well as KO cells. When CPA was applied in Ca2+-free media, the reintroduction of Ca2+ induced significantly larger transient rises in [Ca2+]cyt (due to Ca2+ entry through store-operated channels) in Het and KO cells than in WT cells. These results correlate with published evidence that α2 Na+ pumps and Na+/Ca2+ exchangers are confined to plasma membrane microdomains that overlie the ER. The data suggest that selective reduction of α2 Na+ pump activity can elevate local [Na+] and, via Na+/Ca2+ exchange, [Ca2+] in the tiny volume of cytosol between the plasma membrane and ER. This, in turn, augments adjacent ER Ca2+ stores and thereby amplifies Ca2+ signaling without elevating bulk [Na+]cyt.

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